PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite, left hand was granted. The Veteran's PTSD claim resulted in a rating increase to 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status has been denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing documents and scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with his PTSD evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD and chronic depressive disorder. The Veteran's combined rating is now at the level required for a TDIU.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for an additional opinion regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is or has been aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ for further consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during active service or within one year of separation. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's psychiatric and sleep disorders were related to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD or other specified trauma and stressor related disorders are as likely as not related to the in-service sexual assault trauma reported by the Veteran. With resolution of reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective from March 5, 2008 until October 31, 2016. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the nature and origin of any existing psychiatric disability. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims due to missing VA treatment records and requests for additional private medical evidence. The appellant's spouse is asked to provide any relevant lay statements.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and considering the TDIU claim in light of the acquired psychiatric disorder claim.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is rated at 70 percent since March 10, 2015. The Board has granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder caused deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms equivalent in severity to those corresponding to a 70 percent rating since October 7, 2015. The TDIU claim was denied as the service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from October 7, 2015 to February 16, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU based on his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for an addendum opinion from a physician with occupational and/or vocational expertise.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of hearing loss, foot disability other than flat feet, or a current foot disability other than flat feet. Service connection was not granted for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, vision loss, laxity of the right knee, or recurrent low back pain with history of muscle strain.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted service connection due to a verified stressor event at Camp Lejeune. The claim for headaches secondary to PTSD and exposure to contaminated water remains pending as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD claim.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for PTSD, tinea unguium, and special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the feet, PTSD and prostate cancer are all granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's MDD and PTSD are related to his military service, including an incident where he repaired a malfunctioning oxygen generator on board the USS Ohio. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.