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 service, and the seborrheic dermatitis issue is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.,The Veteran's testicle condition claim is denied as he does not have a present diagnosis and the preponderance of the evidence does not support an etiological link to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities render him unemployable, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and panic disorder has been rated at 100 percent since July 24, 2013. The Board found that the symptoms of total occupational and social impairment due to gross impairment in thought processes, memory impairment, inability to concentrate, irritability, angry outbursts, and difficulty establishing effective relationships have been present throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted. Additionally, TDIU is being remanded due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection is denied, and his request for a higher disability rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's death was due to cardiorespiratory failure caused by CAD and COPD. His service-connected anxiety disorder aggravated his COPD, contributing to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and a need for further examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not cause him to be unable to secure or maintain a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of bilateral pes planus and left lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as the grant of service connection for right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, were denied due to lack of factual evidence showing an increase in disability within one year prior to January 13, 2016. The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to these decisions are also being remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right and left knee conditions was granted with separate evaluations of 10 percent effective January 15, 2016. His intent to file a claim for these conditions on January 15, 2016 is considered the date entitlement arose.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation by reason of being housebound was denied because none of his service-connected disabilities are rated as 100 percent disabling independently, and the threshold schedular requirement for housebound under any theory is not met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to new and material evidence, and the Board has now granted service connection for PTSD as it is linked to an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for PTSD from March 13, 2009 to May 4, 2010 due to his inability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a nervous condition was reopened due to new and material evidence. The appeal is granted in part, as the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's alleged stressor events in service and the relationship between his psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a digestive disorder, PTSD, and COPD have been denied. The appeal is also denied for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II. The issues of service connection for eye disorder (secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus) and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus type II, lumbar spine disability, bilateral knee disability, and an acquired psychological disorder (including PTSD and depression) are all granted. The Veteran is also granted a compensable rating for his right ear hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective from July 20, 2006. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from July 20, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, that was incurred in or caused by his active service. The preponderance of evidence is against the claim for service connection.