PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is remanded due to the possibility of increased severity since his last examination in September 2015.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease (IHD), transient ischemia attack (TIA), stroke, headaches, or PTSD. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for malaria was denied, and the Board found that he is entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bipolar disorder and panic disorder without agoraphobia, alopecia, migraine headaches, and gastrointestinal disability have been granted. The rating for migraine headaches has been increased to 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder have rendered him unable to protect himself from daily living hazards, requiring regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to February 6, 2016 because the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, particularly PTSD. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if he has current diagnoses and whether his symptoms are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 13, 2009, for PTSD was denied as there is no indication that he filed a claim prior to this date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated as 100 percent disabling, and he has additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent. He is also granted special monthly compensation at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD, erectile dysfunction associated with PTSD, and SMC at the (k) rate for loss of use of a creative organ were granted effective April 26, 2018. The Veteran's sleep apnea was also granted service connection effective April 26, 2018.,An earlier effective date of April 28, 2017, was established for the award of service connection for erectile dysfunction associated with PTSD and SMC (k).

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between any current mental health condition and active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since January 4, 2012, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, but the Board denied a higher rating. The Veteran also received a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD, otitis externa and perforated tympanic membrane, hearing loss, and tinnitus need to be remanded due to inadequate examination reports and lack of consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as the VA examiner failed to conduct an examination. The Veteran has multiple service-connected conditions, including prostate cancer and PTSD, which may affect his employability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his VA treatment records.

The Veteran's fracture, second metacarpal, right hand is currently rated as noncompensable due to painful motion. The Board has determined that a compensable rating of 10% should be granted for this condition. The issue of an increased rating for PTSD remains pending and requires additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The VA is instructed to obtain updated treatment records, schedule new examinations for PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea, provide notice on how to substantiate the TDIU claim, and request that he supply the requisite information.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations related to his hearing loss, sleep apnea, heart disease, prostate cancer, stroke, and psychiatric disorders. The effective date of service connection remains unresolved.