PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD, left knee disability, and right knee disability cannot be granted as there is no credible evidence of an in-service event or injury related to these conditions. The Veteran's reports of a bus accident during service are deemed noncredible.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a VA examination for his psychiatric disorder, as the previous examination was not conducted due to the Veteran's refusal.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted and rated at 70 percent from May 14, 2012. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms including occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has found that the Veteran's tinnitus, heart disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and COPD are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to June 25, 2015 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are associated with voiding dysfunction requiring changing of absorbent pads five times daily, warranting a rating higher than 40 percent.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for renal cell carcinoma. The evidence suggests that it may be related to hepatitis B.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional treatment records and to schedule a VA examination for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claim will be reviewed again after these actions are completed.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder did not manifest during service and is not related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of fractured ribs and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder and depression was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding of a chronic, identifiable rib disability in or after service and against a finding of an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for head injury residuals, left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee instability were also denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding of entitlement to higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective from March 10, 2011, was granted. The Board also found that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 70 percent prior to April 22, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to February 10, 2015 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The rating agency assigned a 30 percent initial rating for this period.

The Board found no evidence of a right shoulder condition in service and denied the claim.,There is no evidence of a left foot skin disorder in service, and the Veteran's current symptoms are not related to his service. The claim for this condition was also denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without showing of good cause.

The Veteran's TDIU for chronic vertigo, combined with additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at or over 60 percent (including PTSD, back arthritis, costochondritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy), meets the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records, verifying any in-service stressor, and providing a psychiatric examination.

The Board granted an initial 70 percent rating for PTSD, MDD with psychotic features, and alcohol, cannabis, and opiate abuse in remission. The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to issues related to service connection and TDIU. The case must be returned for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted based on the evidence of record.