PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, with a 30 percent rating effective August 1, 2008.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, thus denying the reopening of the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with depression and generalized anxiety disorder, was aggravated during service. Service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no evidence linking his current hearing loss to service. The claim for tinnitus was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent rating for PTSD with mood disorder is denied as the evidence does not show that his disability warranted such a rating prior to February 19, 2010.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, but has denied each claim on the merits. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of residuals of electrical shock or second degree burns of either lower extremity. Pes planus pre-existed service and did not increase in severity during service. Shin splints are not shown to be causally related to any disease, injury, or incident during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining missing medical records and seeking addendum opinions from VA examiners.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, specifically Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is granted, with an effective date of January 31, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective February 3, 2009, and the Board found that a higher rating was not warranted prior to this date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as she failed to report to VA examinations and her claimed conditions are not shown to be related to her military service.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and conducting a VA examination. The issue of service connection for alcohol abuse is also pending.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to March 2, 2009 is denied as he does not meet the schedular criteria for consideration of TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder prior to July 12, 2006 was manifested by anxiety, irritability, chronic sleep impairment with frequent nightmares and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships. The disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted with an initial disability rating of 50 percent, effective April 25, 2009. The appeal for higher ratings is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and alcohol abuse as secondary to PTSD was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of any psychiatric disability in the record.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no further action can be taken on this case.

The case is being remanded for the VA examiner to provide a response regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea was caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or posttraumatic stress disorder. The examiner must respond specifically to both conditions.