PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and TDIU due to PTSD. The Board found that the preexisting right knee condition existed prior to service, was not aggravated by service, and did not meet the criteria for direct service connection. Additionally, the Board determined that the Veteran’s other service-connected disability (right ankle sprain) alone does not make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her low back disability is denied. The Board found that the objective medical findings did not support a higher rating, despite the Veteran's reported symptoms and functional limitations. Her claim for TDIU was granted as she met the schedular requirements and had service-connected disabilities rated at least 60% combined.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, MDD, and alcohol use disorder, is being remanded due to new evidence received by VA and the need for an updated examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims of specially adapted housing, special home adaptation, loss of use of hands or feet due to service-connected disabilities are also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new examination to determine its current severity and manifestations, as the prior examinations were based on DSM-4 which requires use of DSM-5.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied. Additionally, his TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issues of an increased rating for parasomnia disorder and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new VA examinations are needed for the Veteran's right knee arthritis, right knee instability, and PTSD due to changes in his disability picture over time. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for these conditions have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding a verified in-service stressor for PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with additional information and possibly a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete service records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran's allegations of military sexual trauma (MST) and racism are being considered, as is his claim for migraine headaches secondary to an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and denied a request for an earlier effective date. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective March 28, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder are granted, but the Veteran is not entitled to increased ratings or separate ratings for his foot conditions. The Veteran does receive a higher rating of 30 percent for cirrhosis of the liver since February 12, 2017.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for eye twitching, finding no evidence of a current disability. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development and rating actions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with secondary alcohol dependence is remanded due to the lack of recent VA and private treatment records, and the need for a new examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including a personality disorder and PTSD, finding that there is no evidence of such disorders during active duty or due to in-service stressors. The Veteran was diagnosed with bipolar disorder prior to his current claim but this condition does not meet the criteria for a current disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service, including an in-service personal assault. The Veteran must undergo a VA examination to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a skin condition and PTSD due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide or authorize VA to obtain relevant treatment records, and an addendum opinion must be obtained regarding the nature and etiology of his skin conditions and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent for the entire increased rating period, and he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The right knee disability and left knee disability secondary to the left knee disability are remanded for further development.