PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted from December 27, 1998. The original denial in May 2001 was due to a clear and unmistakable error (CUE) as the evidence at that time supported her diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render him incapable of performing daily activities or require regular aid and attendance. The Board denied SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% rating from July 3, 2008 to February 18, 2015. The lumbar spine disability received a 20% rating from October 14, 2010 to March 21, 2017.

The Veteran's PTSD and persistent depressive disorder are rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that they warrant a higher 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Veteran's appeal for PTSD was dismissed. The claim for reopening and service connection for cervical spine disability is granted, with a 40% rating effective from February 4, 2011. Service connection for other conditions (numbness in both hands, numbness in left fingers, numbness in right fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome of bilateral wrists, migraine headaches) was denied. The claim for service connection for Scheuermann's Kyphosis of Dorsolumbar Spine is granted with an effective date from February 4, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder is granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is set at June 27, 2014. The Veteran’s bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, right 4th proximal phalanx fracture with bony exostosis is granted an increased rating effective from the date of his claim (June 27, 2014).

The Board has found conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, and thus remands for further examination to clarify the diagnoses and determine their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD with major depression has been dismissed as the appeal is not properly before the Board due to the full grant of service connection and no further case or controversy exists.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his disability, and for additional development related to his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be of sufficient severity to prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent prior to January 20, 2017 and 50 percent thereafter. The Veteran's hallux valgus of the left great toe and calluses of both feet are each rated at 20 percent.,PTSD with an alcohol use disorder and a substance use disorder is not rated higher than 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal of the increased rating for his service-connected PTSD was deemed timely, and the case is now remanded to reassess the severity of his PTSD.

The Board is remanding the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left foot disorder, a left ankle disability, and a laceration on the back of head. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.,The Board is remanding the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for a left knee disorder due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding direct service incurrence and aggravation.,The TBI claim is being remanded as well, requiring a new VA examination to assess current severity.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed for the Veteran's left shoulder, low back, bilateral plantar fasciitis, sinusitis, and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) to determine their etiology. The right shoulder disability is also being remanded for an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, osteoarthritis of the hips and knees, degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathy, have rendered her unable to work due to functional limitations. The Board finds that further examination is needed to assess these effects on employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has caused significant occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The current 70% rating is appropriate given his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension, colon cancer, and automatic dyscontrol due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran will need to provide additional VA treatment records, undergo a psychiatric examination, a neurological examination, and an opinion regarding his exposure to Agent Orange.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from July 9, 2004 to July 24, 2010. A higher rating of 70 percent or above was denied for the period after July 24, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and his claim for TDIU was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a prostate condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to inadequate examinations and lack of evidence. The Veteran needs further examination to determine if he has a current diagnosis and whether it is related to his service, including exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.