PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for a psychiatric disorder, an increased rating for right knee instability and DJD of the right knee. The Veteran will need to undergo additional VA examinations to address his reported flare-ups.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or occurrence of the claimed in-service stressor.,The Veteran's cervical spine DJD did not meet the criteria for an increased rating to more than 20 percent, as his forward flexion was within normal limits and he did not experience incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since September 16, 2011. The appeal is granted for a 70 percent rating for PTSD from that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and a determination on extraschedular TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 5, 2007. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to March 31, 2014 for a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, adjustment disorder (claimed as PTSD), and ocular migraines have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting significant impairment in work and social functioning.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and entitlement to a compensable rating for a left thumb scar. The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD was remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim due to concerns about the reliability of a previous VA examination and the need for further medical clarification regarding the Veteran's mental health history.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for the Veteran's PTSD with MDD, finding that total occupational and social impairment has not been shown. A separate rating for MDD was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and bilateral peripheral neuropathy were remanded for further evaluation. The appeal is not about service connection, but rather the rating of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as a need for a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remains open.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were generally granted. Bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, DJD of the lumbar spine (prior to July 14, 2016), PTSD from July 2, 2014 to April 10, 2018, chronic fatigue syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and individual unemployability prior to April 10, 2018 were all granted. The Veteran's DJD of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent since July 14, 2016.

The appellant has withdrawn all appeals, including those for service connection and evaluations of the veteran's conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible evidence of combat or hostile military activity during his service in Thailand. The Veteran's reports were largely not credible and lacked corroborative evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD as the Veteran did not meet diagnostic criteria and there is no probative evidence linking his current symptomatology to a claimed in-service stressor. The cause of death claim is remanded due to outstanding medical records that may provide information on the Veteran's stomach cancer.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased PTSD ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records, VA treatment records, and a new examination.