PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's tremors are found to be a symptom of his service-connected grand mal seizures, and the Board has granted secondary service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his stroke residuals and knee disabilities, have left him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder is reopened. Service connection for a respiratory condition and hypertension are denied. An initial disability rating of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis is granted.

The Veteran's previously denied claims for PTSD, a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a back disorder (herniated nucleus pulposus), arthritis, and osteoporosis have been reopened. The issues of service connection for these conditions are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting diagnoses and need for further clarification regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted as service connected. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including MDD and PTSD, is reopened due to new evidence received since the last denial. The claim for service connection for strep throat is remanded. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and granted effective May 18, 2006. The Board denied an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, effective November 7, 2015. The right upper extremity radiculopathy remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and PTSD are granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure during his Vietnam service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions and records regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and dementia. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the PTSD rating from 70% to 50% was improper and has restored the original 70% rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, subject to further development. Residuals of a head injury, including TBI residuals and tension headaches, are remanded for additional examination and opinion. Lumbar spondylosis with radiculopathy of the right lower extremity requires further evaluation.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for nerve damage to both legs, and the initial rating for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder was dismissed. The appeals for extraschedular evaluations for right arm tendonitis and mechanical low back pain were also dismissed.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was reopened due to new and material evidence, resulting in an effective date of January 16, 1985.

The Veteran's initial rating for Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's initial rating for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical degenerative disc disease, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep disability (including sleep apnea) are related to his service-connected conditions. The decision is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding these issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis, back disability, bunions, bilateral hearing loss, sleep disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder) as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury, event, or disease that would support these claims.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% rating. Service connection for dermatitis involving the neck and arms is remanded due to lack of relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for an additional VA examination and etiological opinion to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to his service. The effective date of any award will be determined after further review.