PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2020

Service connection for PTSD and a skin disability has been granted. Service connection for low back, right shoulder, left shoulder, and joint pain disabilities have not been established.,The Veteran's service connection claims were denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance and/or housebound status due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a finding of regular aid and attendance or permanent housebound status solely as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient details provided by the Veteran regarding the stressor events that caused his PTSD. The AOJ is instructed to seek verification of these stressors from the JSRRC or other appropriate facilities.

The Veteran's PTSD and migraine headaches have worsened, and an updated VA examination is needed to determine appropriate disability ratings. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the other issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD, as well as a TDIU based on these conditions, are denied. The effective date for the award of service connection is set at December 11, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been reopened and granted.,A compensable disability rating (30%) is granted for bilateral hearing loss.,A disability rating in excess of 70 percent prior to July 27, 2016 for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined disability ratings of 80 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and lumbosacral strain have prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that the criteria for an award of a TDIU are met, but has also remanded his claims for right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, and sleep disorder to include sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD because the stressor event claimed by the Veteran could not be corroborated, and there was no diagnosis of PTSD that satisfied DSM criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient efforts to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service sexual assault and stressor, as well as incomplete medical records. The Veteran is requested to provide additional information and consent forms for private treatment records.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis and lateral instability, is rated at 40%.,The Veteran also received a separate rating of 10% for limitation of flexion from October 27, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hepatitis C, depression, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus type II due to a lack of medical evidence on record regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii during his service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective August 16, 2017. He also received a TDIU effective that date.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied because he failed to appear for a scheduled VA examination without providing good cause.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and consideration of his PTSD, as well as a TDIU claim. The initial rating for type 2 diabetes mellitus remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's alleged in-service sexual assault, which is a necessary step for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are now pending. The issues of entitlement to service connection for degenerative disc disease, spinal spondylitis, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) remain on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient notification of evidence from sources other than service records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's pre-existing psychiatric conditions were aggravated by military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's employment history and income during the period from January 2, 2012, to May 5, 2017. The Veteran needs to provide details about his work history, including employer names, dates of employment, and any interruptions in employment. Income verification is also required for this period.