PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible schedular rating of 70 percent, effective August 7, 2012. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective June 23, 2014.,She was granted a higher rating for her cervicogenic migraines.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD effective July 13, 2010. The Veteran's hypertension and kidney disorder are related to herbicide exposure, while hearing loss is not currently shown in either ear.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for head injury, bilateral leg sciatica, disability manifested by motion sickness and dizziness, tinnitus, bilateral glaucoma, bilateral cataracts, left eye detached retina (secondary to left eye cataracts), left hand disability (secondary to neck disability), right hand disability (secondary to neck disability), bilateral shoulder disability (secondary to neck disability), joint disability, neck disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (posttraumatic stress disorder) (secondary to service-connected lumbar spine disability), and sleep apnea have been denied. The Veteran withdrew these claims during his Board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the highest rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The decision grants this increased rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the appropriate evaluation of his service-connected PTSD and its impact on his employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,The Veteran's right knee condition is currently rated at 10 percent, limited to flexion of 120 degrees with pain onset at 80 degrees. There is no limitation on extension.,Prior to June 24, 2014, the Veteran's left ankle condition was rated at 10 percent for moderate limitation of motion. Since then, it has been rated at 20 percent due to marked limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and conducting necessary medical and factual development.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and right ankle disorder.,Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) as it is at least as likely as not related to active duty service. The bilateral knee disorder is also found to be related to active duty service. However, the right ankle disorder is not shown to be related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him helpless or so nearly helpless that he requires the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of her service connection claim, including TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective January 19, 2012. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 22, 2013. The Board found that the symptoms of reduced reliability and productivity due to depression, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, suspiciousness, panic attacks, memory impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining work and social relationships warrant a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to May 23, 2013 and increased to 50 percent from May 23, 2013 to August 9, 2016. The Board granted a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective since August 10, 2016.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnoses of tinnitus and PTSD are supported by credible evidence, including his own statements and medical opinions from VA clinicians.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the reopening of a claim for PTSD due to insufficient evidence, and no new and material evidence was submitted within one year of the January 1997 denial. The motion alleging CUE is therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran has any current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, and whether these are related to his military service. The AOJ will then review the claims file and readjudicate the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety. The new evidence received since the final February 2012 denial indicates that the Veteran currently suffers from such a condition related to his military service.