PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the right knee based on a finding that it is presumptively related to service, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran. The other issues remain pending and are remanded.

The Board denied all increased rating claims for the Veteran's service-connected conditions, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's syphilis and neurosyphilis are attributable to his active service, including service in Southwest Asia. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied.,Service connection is granted for unspecified neurocognitive disorder with behavioral disturbance and generalized anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, effective prior to February 21, 2013 and thereafter throughout the period of appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to a missed VA psychiatric examination, and a new examination is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a verified in-service stressor event and therefore cannot establish service connection for PTSD. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, is denied as there is no evidence of any in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD meets the requirements for an initial increased evaluation of 70 percent, but no higher, for the period beginning on and after March 17, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that it would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is denied as there is no valid diagnosis of PTSD consistent with DSM criteria. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other mental health condition that can be linked to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, diabetes mellitus type II, cubital tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and PTSD have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen any of these claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was reopened based on his assertion that he was diagnosed with diabetes during active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected as it is related to an in-service personal assault.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The case will be returned to the Board after this action.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood; but not total occupational and social impairment. The criteria for a rating of 70 percent are met.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorders. The appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and to ensure all relevant records are obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of recent VA treatment records and inextricably intertwined issues, including a TDIU claim. The Veteran's PTSD rating and TDIU status need further development.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for tinea pedis and service connection for PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations and stressor verification.