PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence claim is remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disability.,The Veteran's skin disability claim is remanded for a new examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, or due to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.,The Veteran's back disability claim is remanded for an initial examination to assess whether he has a current back disability that is at least as likely as not incurred during active service.,The Veteran's respiratory disability claim is remanded for an initial examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam and/or his reports of exposure to extreme amounts of dust and other elements due to his participation in airlift operations during active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% after December 7, 2016. The initial rating for PTSD prior to that date and the initial rating for CAD remain denied.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the reopening of a previously denied claim for major depressive disorder, as well as claims for tinnitus, hypertension, headaches, PTSD, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and/or housebound status, left wrist limitation of motion, and Parkinson's disease under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is rated at a 50 percent disability rating for the period prior to September 28, 2018. For the period from September 28, 2018, a higher than 70 percent rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all pending appeals.

The Board has denied a higher disability rating for PTSD and remanded the issues of migraine headaches and TDIU. The Veteran is required to undergo additional examinations for his migraine headaches.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a left ankle disorder, psychiatric disorder (GAD), and PTSD due to conflicting evidence and insufficient opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, and the effective date of June 22, 2017 is the earliest possible effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since July 24, 2012. Since April 5, 2017, the rating is increased to 70%. The Veteran now meets the criteria for a 70% disability rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, with a 100% rating assigned for PTSD.,Remaining issues of service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective November 9, 2012. The Board also remanded the claims for increased ratings for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, torn meniscus of the right knee and scars of the right knee.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent for multiple service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus. Since June 20, 2017, the criteria for TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available under DC 9411. The appeal for a higher evaluation has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders was denied. The earlier effective date claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective April 7, 2015. The Board found that the disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as she does not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.,Service connection for a stomach disability is also denied, as there is no evidence of such a condition during her active duty or at any time since.

The Veteran's kidney disease and left knee disability are denied as service connection is not established.,A separate rating of 20 percent for left knee disability is granted, but a higher rating than 10 percent under the appropriate diagnostic codes remains denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety and PTSD) is remanded due to potential nexus with in-service treatment records.,Service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD is also remanded as it may be related to service-connected PTSD.,Total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded as the Veteran's current disabilities do not meet the criteria.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and insufficient evidence to establish a link between his symptoms and service.

The Veteran's appeal of her increased rating claim for PTSD prior to April 16, 2015, and higher than 70 percent thereafter has been dismissed due to the Veteran's request for withdrawal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating prior to December 30, 2014. The symptoms more closely approximated the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation.