PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The claims for PTSD, Depression and Stress, Left Knee Disability, and Low Back Disability have been granted. The claim for Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to March 28, 2014 and 50 percent thereafter. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of the disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss or chronic fatigue syndrome, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.,For the joint condition (claimed as Gulf War Illness) and muscle condition (claimed as due to Gulf War Illness), an addendum opinion is needed regarding whether they are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip condition, left knee condition, and PTSD due to insufficient evidence in some cases and because updated examinations are needed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, specifically PTSD. The VA needs to schedule a new examination and provide an updated opinion based on DSM-5 criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted. The claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, seizure disability (episodes), and PTSD are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since January 1, 2014, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the April 2017 grant of service connection. The Board has also granted a TDIU based on his PTSD. Service connection for Right Shoulder Disorder and Right Upper Extremity Peripheral Neuropathy remains pending as additional evidence and clarification are needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient service connection for depressive disorder as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine disability and incomplete verification of in-service stressors for PTSD diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for PTSD, alcohol abuse disorder, Berger's disease, and pancreatitis due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent, but no higher.,Left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve peripheral neuropathy have both been rated at 20 percent.,PTSD from July 22, 2009 to July 11, 2011 was granted a 100 percent rating.,PTSD from October 1, 2011 and thereafter has also been granted a 100 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case will be reviewed to determine if there is a current diagnosis of PTSD and whether it is related to active duty service.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to clarify the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and determine their relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating and earlier effective date for tinnitus was denied. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and TDIU due to incomplete records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service-connected PTSD and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's TBI is granted, and he receives a 10 percent rating for tinnitus.,PTSD is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 100 percent.,Erectile dysfunction does not warrant a compensable rating.,Bilateral testicular hydroceles are assigned a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of TBI is denied. The Veteran's right knee disability and PTSD are granted with specific ratings, but the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD, rated at 70 percent disabling since March 22, 2013, and his diabetes mellitus type II, rated at 20 percent disabling since June 9, 2015, have resulted in a TDIU effective from the date of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis and its relationship to MST, as well as her right ankle disability. The Veteran needs a VA mental health examination to determine if she meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis and whether it is related to MST.