PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD based on the verified stressor event and concluded that any diagnosed psychiatric condition is less likely than not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by moderate symptoms including depression, sleep impairment with nightmares, social isolation, auditory and visual hallucinations, mildly impaired short-term memory, irritability, impaired concentration, and panic attacks occurring more than once per week. The GAF score had declined from 55 to 50, indicating serious symptoms or any serious impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from October 6, 2006 to August 23, 2011. The effective date for the TDIU grant is set as August 23, 2011.

The Board determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD based on confirmed stressors and found no evidence linking any acquired psychiatric disorder to service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and PTSD were rated at 50 percent effective July 9, 2012.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have currently diagnosed psychosis and has been diagnosed with PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The in-service stressor event is not corroborated by credible supporting evidence, and therefore service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder cannot be established.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a 100 percent rating for this condition. The low back disability remains at 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD, a disability of service origin, caused or contributed substantially to his suicide and the Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran is entitled to a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD prior to March 11, 2013 due to significant occupational and social impairment caused by his service-connected PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right knee disability, tinnitus, and hearing loss, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

PTSD and diabetes mellitus, Type II have been granted service connection based on in-service stressors and presumed exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's Raynaud's syndrome and erectile dysfunction are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and acquired psychiatric disabilities, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his combat experience. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to address his claims for service connection for psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied as there is no current hearing loss disability and the maximum schedular rating available for tinnitus is 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, concluding that the Veteran did not engage in combat and there was no verified stressor related to his claimed in-service events. The denial is upheld as there was no CUE.

The Board has determined that the original grant of service connection for PTSD was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, thus restoring service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims to reopen service connection for PTSD, residuals of a head injury, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been granted.,The Veteran is now entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and found that new evidence supports a finding of service connection for PTSD, which is related to an in-service sexual assault.