PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection is denied as the earliest possible effective date is September 4, 2007. The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status is also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 7, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% from June 27, 2014 to January 22, 2018. The rating for PTSD remains unchanged as the appeal is mixed (some issues granted and others not).

The Veteran withdrew his claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability, increased ratings for his bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, and service connection for a neck disorder. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened due to new and material evidence being submitted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and PTSD due to new evidence suggesting a worsening of symptoms since their last examinations. The AOJ is required to schedule VA examinations to assess current severity.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and addendum opinion considering updated treatment records and hearing testimony.

The Board found no evidence of a confirmed in-service stressor related to Vietnam or Korea, and thus denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted for the period from December 9, 2014 to February 11, 2015. The issue of TDIU since February 12, 2015, is dismissed as moot due to a grant of a 100% rating for PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with anxiety and depression, effective from January 11, 2011. The Veteran's claim was reopened on new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, with occupational and social impairment in most areas. The appeal for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities has been remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence and adjustment disorder has been rated at 30 percent, but the Board granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus. Service connection is also remanded for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for post-operative lumbar spine disorder, left hip degenerative joint disease, and a left foot condition secondary to low back/hip. The acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) claim was not addressed as it is considered separate from the other issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left ankle disability, headache condition, and PTSD. The decision also noted that additional issues related to these conditions were remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a lower gastrointestinal disorder, an upper gastrointestinal disorder, and erectile dysfunction due to the need for additional medical opinions. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's in-service stressors have been corroborated and he has a current diagnosis of PTSD linked to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since closing his business in 2011, thus granting TDIU.