PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not severe enough to require regular aid and attendance, thus his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient medical opinions and the need for additional examination. The issues include right elbow, left knee, and right knee conditions; PTSD; sleep apnea; hypertension; gastrointestinal condition; acid reflux; erectile dysfunction; neuropathy; diabetes mellitus; and heart condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for anemia with intestinal malabsorption, PTSD with major depressive disorder, and other issues has been granted. The cases of service connection for hypertension, tinea cruris, the residuals of a fracture of the left fifth toe, and TDIU have been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected ischemic heart disease (IHD) is found to have caused his peripheral artery disease (PAD) and stroke. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available level of 70 percent, which is already the maximum rating for this condition. His bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and remanded the remaining issues due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, are found to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and intermittent explosive disorder. The evidence shows no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the lack of evidence for the period between December 14, 2010 and February 28, 2012. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with other issues.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, as well as a request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus. The decision also noted that there was no evidence of a diagnosed PTSD or any other condition related to military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an alcohol use disorder, but has remanded it for additional development due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The issue of increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including a new examination and consideration of lay statements.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further evidentiary development, including a new examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The claims for hypertension, low back disability, and ischemic heart disease are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with history of insomnia is granted a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The issue of entitlement to a higher rating for left knee patellofemoral syndrome is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was denied because he did not file a timely VA Form 9 within the required time frame.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date of July 26, 2013, for a 100% rating for PTSD. The Board found that there was no factually ascertainable 100% disability level prior to this date.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression and loss of use of both lower extremities have been restored to a 100% evaluation effective December 1, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor and the relationship between his PTSD and service. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if he experienced an in-service stressor and whether his current PTSD is related to that stressor.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, which includes PTSD and depression, is rated at 50 percent for the period prior to November 2, 2014.