PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for Major Depressive Disorder (chronic depression) but denied service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnosis of major depressive disorder is supported by evidence showing symptoms began during service and are linked to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling appropriate examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.,The Veteran has multiple issues on appeal that require further examination and review.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as incurred in service. The issue of an initial rating for PTSD and the TDIU claim are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed as moot because her service-connected PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder has been rated at 100% since April 15, 2013. As she now receives the maximum special monthly compensation available for her disabilities, and her remaining service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for TDIU, her claim is dismissed.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of pneumonia, hypertension, left knee surgical scars, migraine headaches, and PTSD have been granted. The Veteran is also remanded for further evaluation on his left knee disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% since August 18, 2018. Service connection for a low back disorder and hypertension has been reopened but denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's PTSD with secondary depression warrants a rating in excess of 30 percent from December 8, 2010, to August 29, 2016, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder and anxiety, was restored to 100 percent from August 1, 2013 to May 1, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephrolithiasis, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity are being remanded as there is no current diagnosis in the record.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic nephrolithiasis is being remanded as there is no current diagnosis in the record.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is being remanded as there is no current diagnosis in the record.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction associated with residuals of prostate adenocarcinoma is being remanded due to outstanding VA records from his wife and need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of prostate adenocarcinoma, evaluated as 20 percent disabling is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 13, 2012 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy for the right upper extremity is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for peripheral neuropathy for the left upper extremity is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded as there are outstanding records from his wife and need for a VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder associated with residuals of prostate adenocarcinoma is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and review of recent hospitalization records.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is being remanded as there are no current audiometric findings in the record.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension (high blood pressure) is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of his medication.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD has been denied.,The TDIU case is being remanded to determine the appropriate effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the period prior to September 25, 2018. For the period from September 25, 2018, a higher rating in excess of 70 percent is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are now considered on the merits. The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, right ankle disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression (claimed as PTSD), left knee patellar femoral syndrome, and left ankle tenosynovitis, were denied earlier effective dates.,Claims for service connection for lumbar strain and tinnitus were also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent since November 23, 2007. The Board finds that the effects from her psychiatric symptoms meet criteria for a 100 percent rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds an additional examination is needed to assess his current condition. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is intertwined with the rating claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes was denied due to lack of evidence. The appeal to reopen the claim for service connection for diabetes is denied as no new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder remains rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that an updated VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, as his current symptoms may be related to undiagnosed PTSD from service. The Veteran's previous diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and adjustment disorder are in conflict with a potential diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran was granted a higher initial disability rating for PTSD, but denied an increased rating for TBI.,The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent effective April 28, 2014.

The Veteran's previously denied claim for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for PTSD is now granted based on a diagnosed PTSD related to an in-service stressor.