PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not include the anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands, blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity, deep partial thickness burns that have resulted in contractures with limitation of motion of two or more extremities or of at least one extremity and the trunk, full thickness or subdermal burns that have resulted in contractures with limitation of motion of one or more extremities or the trunk, or residuals of an inhalation injury. Therefore, his claim for a special home adaptation grant is denied.

The Board has found clear and unmistakable error in the February 19, 2003 rating decision pertaining to the effective date assigned for service connection for PTSD. The earlier effective date of April 29, 1983, for the award of service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) is not service-connected.,Tinnitus was found to have begun in active military service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is granted as of September 22, 2011. The SMC will be at the aid and attendance rate due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, which represents a complete grant of the benefits sought with respect to that disability. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a current disability and thus his claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD with anxiety disorder, lumbar spine osteoarthritis, and right lower extremity sciatica were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the disability rating for PTSD from 100 to 70 percent effective January 1, 2013 was improper due to a lack of evidence showing actual improvement and consideration of the entire medical history.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, and she also received a separate rating for right knee instability. The initial compensable rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome was granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to address all diagnoses of record.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50 percent since June 13, 2005. The Board found that the current level of impairment does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his diagnosis conforms to the DSM-V and there is credible supporting evidence of a stressor in service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher initial rating of 50 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's agent and representative was denied payment of $18,722.28 in fees for the award of service connection and past-due benefits in an April 2012 rating decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as panic attacks, sleep impairment with nightmares and night sweats, flashbacks, depressed mood, and flattened affect. The Board finds that these symptoms are similar to those contemplated by the currently assigned 50 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and generalized anxiety, was granted effective February 26, 2013. Service connection for tinnitus is denied. Higher initial ratings for diarrhea (IBS) and left knee patellofemoral syndrome are also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD and schizophrenia, as well as his claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination for PTSD. The RO will also provide an SOC regarding his other claims.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since May 22, 2006.,The effective date for the TDIU is set to January 11, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a more current VA examination of his service-connected anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (claimed as PTSD).

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records and to provide the Veteran with a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD, GERD, and IBS are being remanded.