PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is at least as likely as not related to his active military service.,The Veteran's residuals of a cold injury of the bilateral lower extremities are also granted, with the Board finding that there is no clear and convincing evidence to refute his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent for the entire period on appeal. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the Veteran already receiving a 100 percent schedular rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for diabetic nephropathy prior to May 17, 2016 was denied.,The Veteran's rating in excess of 30 percent for diabetic nephropathy since May 17, 2016 was also denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for adjustment disorder with anxiety was denied, as the symptoms did not warrant a higher than 30 percent rating.,Service connection for PTSD was also denied due to lack of a diagnosis in accordance with DSM criteria and insufficient stressor support.,Erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea were both remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their relationship to service-connected adjustment disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran also failed to meet the requirements for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher monetary payment based on TDIU has no legal merit.,Criteria for an earlier effective date prior to February 14, 2013, for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for major depressive disorder with PTSD have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further assessment of the Veteran's need for aid and attendance based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability is dismissed. The claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to new and material evidence being submitted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable by December 6, 2009. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted for the period from December 6, 2009 to July 14, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating due to their current occupational and social impairment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for additional opinions regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and private treatment records to be considered.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's increased ratings for type 2 diabetes and PTSD are denied. The issues of service connection for diabetic neuropathy, diabetic retinopathy, sleep apnea, and ischemic heart disease are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating. The case is remanded to obtain Vet Center treatment records for consideration of an even higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions, including PTSD. The VA needs to verify in-service stressors and obtain additional medical opinions on the nature and etiology of any diagnosed disorders.

The Board has remanded the case to verify a claimed stressor of an airplane crash and schedule a VA PTSD examination if the stressor is verified.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and entitlement to a TDIU due to the lack of adequate reasons and bases in the May 2015 decision. The Veteran was last examined in September 2015, and his condition may have worsened since then.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a low back condition and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression). The Veteran's statements about his in-service experiences are not credible, so the claims will be remanded to obtain clarifying opinions from medical providers.