PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as incurred in service, and his hearing loss disability remains unresolved.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent from January 31, 2013. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder has been rated at 70 percent since the appeal period began, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment but not total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with a history of alcoholism and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since October 28, 2013. He also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary panic disorder is rated at 70 percent effective October 23, 2006. The Board also granted a TDIU on a schedular basis effective October 23, 2006.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete actions in obtaining information regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor and Morning Reports for his service. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ for further consideration.

The Veteran's cause of death was attributed to cardiopulmonary arrest due to or as a consequence of esophageal cancer, which is not service-connected.,VA determined that the Veteran did not die from a service-connected disability and thus denied payment of burial benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD symptoms are indicative of reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation. The issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for the period since October 9, 2012 remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for Erectile Dysfunction on a secondary basis to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hepatitis A, chloracne, and soft tissue sarcoma has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD due to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board granted a 70 percent evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability records. The Veteran's PTSD may be related to his alcohol use/abuse, which could affect his liver disability if service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in an August 2014 statement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since September 29, 2011. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met or more nearly approximated during this period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right foot amputation and neurological issues, make it impossible for him to walk without the aid of a wheelchair or brace. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing benefits.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 29, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms cause occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent initial rating.