PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as he did not meet the criteria of being permanently bedridden or needing regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD or Major Depression, and his symptoms do not align with those expected in such conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, and chloracne. The decision also restored service connection for tinnitus effective May 1, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating, and there is no evidence of unemployability due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and sinusitis have been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current state of his service-connected PTSD, as the evidence does not reflect the current state of his disability.

The Veteran's PTSD results in mild social and occupational impairment, with symptoms such as depressed mood, restricted range of affect, nightmares, intrusive memories, nervousness/anxiety, hypervigilance, avoidance behavior, feelings of detachment or estrangement from others, sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating, exaggerated startle response, anger, which is responsive to medication. As of December 7, 2012, his PTSD more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of an inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the impact of his PTSD on his ability to work. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder contributed substantially to his death from congestive heart failure due to coronary artery disease and diabetes.

The Board granted an effective date of August 30, 1993 for the grant of a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for PTSD was granted at 30 percent, effective May 19, 2004. The Board found that the current manifestations of PTSD do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 10 percent since May 12, 2009. The disability is currently manifested by mild symptoms that do not significantly impair his occupational or social functioning.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, dementia, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his current psychiatric disability.

The VA examiner found insufficient evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder and her current galactorrhea, but noted that chronic emotional stress may be a neurogenic cause of galactorrhea. The case is being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and private treatment records. The VA examiner will provide an addendum to the September 2012 VA examination report and December 2012 addendum opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current constant bilateral tinnitus is likely due to noise exposure during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The remaining issues of service connection for PTSD and residuals of a cold weather injury are remanded for further development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD with depression is related to his service, and grants service connection for this condition. The other issues on appeal are also granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death due to myocardial infarction with cardiac arrhythmia, metastatic lung cancer and bilateral pulmonary emphysema.