PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating to 70 percent for PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms, including social isolation and difficulty in maintaining relationships, are considered in determining the appropriate disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressor. The VA examination did not find current bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus, and the Veteran denied experiencing these conditions during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed, including searching naval records for specific incidents and affording the Veteran a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's discharge from his period of service was not under dishonorable conditions, thus allowing him to receive VA benefits.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the claim for entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disorder. The remaining claims have been adjudicated and are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, dysthymia with anxiety features, and depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and readjudication under both old and revised rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings and earlier effective dates for TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance were denied as the evidence did not show that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 29, 2004 due solely to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, rated at 30 percent disabling effective October 31, 2006. The appeal for higher ratings is not addressed as the grant of a higher rating does not constitute a full grant of the benefit sought.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent effective July 30, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination for his PTSD and to decide the issue of TDIU. The current level of disability is at issue, so a contemporaneous examination is necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.,However, his vision disability is found to be secondary to his service-connected cerebrovascular accident.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% effective November 25, 2008. The TDIU award was also granted on the same date.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated depression was rated at 50 percent from July 16, 2008 to September 2, 2011. Effective September 3, 2011, the rating was increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records, schedule a VA examination, and address the issues of service connection for hearing loss and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD, warrants a 100% rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent warranting an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as the prior final denial in March 1994 did not have new and material evidence submitted within one year, preventing a reopening of his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for tinea pedis and an increase in ratings for PTSD. The issues were remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, complete VCAA notice, and provide the Veteran with a new VA examination.