PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and migraine headaches, prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation as of February 24, 2012. An effective date of February 24, 2012 is granted for the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's request to reopen the issue of service connection for PTSD is granted. The appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and psychotic disorder NOS, as well as hypertension, is remanded.

The Veteran's post-traumatic stress disorder and depression are granted as service connected due to the evidence showing a current disability related to combat service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The initial 10% evaluation for tension headaches was granted, but the higher evaluations requested for PTSD and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine were not granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable rating are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder is granted, and his PTSD is rated at 30 percent. The decision also denies a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The claim for service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST) is also remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the bilateral foot condition service connection issue due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The hearing loss claim is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The psychiatric disorder claims are remanded for further evaluation and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a pain disorder was resolved in his favor, with an effective date of September 17, 2012. The Veteran's attorney is eligible to receive payment from past-due benefits based on this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened since the last VA examination in October 2011. A new VA examination is needed to determine the current level of severity.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, finding that new evidence supports these claims. The Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and PTSD are related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, left knee disability, right knee disability, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety and depression). The claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of these conditions in service or their relationship to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary depression is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for duodenal scarring with peptic ulcer disease, gastric reflux, and hiatal hernia was dismissed. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to June 21, 2013, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter is denied. A TDIU from June 4, 2009, is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to inadequate examinations, changes in symptoms since previous evaluations, and new evidence of worsening conditions. The claims will be reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection effective October 19, 2005 and a 70% disability rating has been assigned for the entire initial rating period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any current disabilities related to his claimed conditions and finds insufficient evidence to support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 50 percent prior to August 10, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating during this period. From August 10, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD warranted an increased rating to 70 percent. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU status.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorders, including chronic tinea pedis and matricectomies of the feet, are related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,PTSD has been linked to the Veteran's military service.