PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy and PTSD. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also pending.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and posttraumatic stress disorder were evaluated, with the former rated at 60 percent and the latter not meeting criteria for a higher rating. The decision denied both increased ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, as his service-connected conditions did not render him so helpless that he needed regular assistance from others. The Board also denied the claim for housebound status due to service-connected disabilities, as there was no evidence of substantial confinement to his dwelling or immediate premises.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia, but denied service connection for COPD and PTSD. The decision on COPD is based on direct evidence of a current disability without a link to service or herbicide exposure. For PTSD, the claim was reopened due to new evidence received after the initial denial, and service connection was established.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as her symptoms do not warrant total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of total social impairment. The Veteran also seeks TDIU based on his PTSD, but the Board finds he can still secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on various service-connected conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and did not meet the full criteria for this condition. The preponderance of evidence is against the claim, and service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied.

Service connection for PTSD has been granted based on credible evidence of in-service stressors and current disability.,Service connection for Depression has not been established as there is no medical evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board has determined that the current rating decision is not final and requires additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a new VA examination to address the Veteran's psychiatric claims.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of anxiety disorder, and resolves doubt in his favor to grant service connection.,Service connection granted for Anxiety Disorder based on credible lay statements and positive nexus opinion from VA examiner.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder due to new evidence received since the last denial. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically diabetes, right and left upper and lower extremity neuropathy, eyelid scar, and left eyebrow. Therefore, the Veteran is granted service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent from January 15, 2008 through June 29, 2013.,A TDIU claim is also addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent prior to March 31, 2014, with occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, and inability to establish effective relationships.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's appeal will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a more contemporaneous examination of his PTSD and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, but his right upper extremity symptoms are not considered secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,While the Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD, he was denied secondary service connection for his right upper extremity symptoms as they are not linked to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for additional development and readjudication of his claims for a higher evaluation for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU. The case will be returned to the AOJ after all necessary actions are completed.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder is etiologically related to the Veteran's in-service personal assault. The claim will be reconsidered after this examination.