PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for further evaluation and updated treatment records to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 40 percent prior to March 17, 2010 and a separate 10 percent rating for lateral instability is granted. From May 1, 2011, the Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent under DC 5055 (status post total knee replacement). The Board finds that entitlement to TDIU prior to October 1, 2009 is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and a higher rating of in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The rating does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was dismissed. The Veteran's claim for TDIU for the period beginning May 1, 2018, is granted.

The Veteran's fatigue is granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disability. A rating of 70 percent for the psychiatric disability is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back and right hip disabilities as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The issues of service connection for left knee, left hip, neck, numbness and weakness of upper extremities, numbness and weakness of lower extremities, and PTSD are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD and diabetes mellitus type 2, finding that the evidence did not show a causal relationship between these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD based on DSM-5 or DSM-IV standards. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence to establish a nexus between any diagnosed psychiatric condition and service.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection and a higher rating for PTSD due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD because there was no evidence to verify the in-service stressor and no current diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran submitted lay statements but they were considered cumulative, and her treatment records did not show a PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at a 100 percent disability rating for the period from December 29, 2011. This decision grants a higher rating than previously assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. Service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD is also granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, CFS, migraines, sleep apnea, and low back disability are all granted. Service connection for PTSD is granted but with a remand for an initial rating determination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, as it severely limits his ability to interact with others and focus on tasks.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence of worsening PTSD symptoms since the last VA examination in April 2014, and a new examination is needed.

The Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including Social Security records.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability rated as totally disabling for at least eight years before his death, and the Appellant does not qualify for additional DIC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder (melanoma) is remanded due to the need for an additional VA examination and etiology opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental disorder for compensation purposes and anxiety and PTSD are also remanded as they require further evaluation.