PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for PTSD, left thigh scar, varicose veins, right hand disability, and ankle disabilities has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not more nearly reflect total occupational and social impairment due to psychiatric symptoms.,Service connection for bilateral ankle arthritis was also denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, was not incurred or aggravated during service. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to in-service trauma.

The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to November 23, 2016 and he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 50 percent rating, which reflects occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD was not shown to cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, resulting in a finding that the criteria for a higher initial rating of 70% have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to April 10, 2014. For the period from April 10, 2014, his PTSD resulted in deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right tibia and fibula fracture residuals with arthritis of the right ankle, and spondylosis of the lumbar spine, have rendered him unemployable for work consistent with his education and experience.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance, thus the criteria for SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound were not met.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective November 2, 2016. Service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and bilateral foot disorder were denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 6, 2014. Prior to that date, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,From July 28, 2014, the Veteran was found unable to obtain or maintain any form of substantially gainful employment due to his PTSD.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for PTSD because the claimed in-service stressor was not incurred in the line of duty and there is no credible supporting evidence that another claimed in-service stressor occurred.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided to the Veteran in August 2013 is insufficient for purposes of adjudicating the claims and therefore, a remand is warranted. The issues are now REMANDED for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is asked to provide names and addresses of any medical care providers who have treated him, including Vet Center treatment. Updated VA treatment records since July 20, 2017 are also needed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, specifically PTSD, major depression, and general anxiety disorder.

The Board denied service connection for glaucoma and a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The Veteran's glaucoma was not shown to be incurred or aggravated by his military service, and the evidence did not support a finding that it was related to radiation exposure. For PTSD, the Board found no evidence of symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The Veteran is also entitled to a higher initial rating for his PTSD.