PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are remanded to obtain VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was rated at 50 percent from March 26, 2012 to December 19, 2014 and at 70 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.,PTSD with depression has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since December 19, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is granted, as new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board found that the Veteran experienced a traumatic event in Somalia during his active duty service which led to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran experienced sufficient stressors related to racial unrest and fire-bombings in Germany, which could support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD because the evidence did not support his claimed in-service stressors, and thus, he was not entitled to service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for sterility is denied.,The effective date of the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease and PTSD prior to April 29, 2013, is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional Vet Center treatment records which may affect the rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD resulting from military sexual trauma, is remanded due to insufficient credible supporting evidence and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has decided that a more contemporaneous VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and a depressive disorder, are related to his service in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied because he did not meet the criteria for SMC, as his service-connected PTSD alone did not result in permanent confinement to his home or bed.

The Veteran's PTSD with obesity claim is remanded due to unclear basis for including obesity in the evaluation. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD with obesity claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and TDIU is granted for the period prior to March 19, 2012.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to incomplete development of records and inadequate statement of reasons and bases for denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD causes impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, resulting in a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, hearing loss, and PTSD were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his conditions are not directly related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features, Anxiety Disorder not otherwise specified, and PTSD, is related to his service. The preponderance of evidence supports this finding.

The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities is rated at 40 percent since July 2, 2015. Service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD has been granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded his claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional evidence or attend VA examinations.