PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and PTSD have been granted. The initial evaluation for PTSD is set at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's PTSD claim, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining updated medical records. The TDIU issue will also be addressed during this process.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period from June 5, 2009, to April 25, 2013. The Board granted entitlement to Total Disability Rating due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) during this timeframe.

The Veteran's PFB is found to have developed during service and continues to the present day.,There is no current diagnosis of a back disability. The Veteran's complaints are not supported by medical evidence.,PTSD was denied as the Veteran did not report PTSD symptoms or meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD.,Hair loss was diagnosed in service, but there is no current diagnosis and the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's DIC claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 was denied because he did not meet the requirement of having a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for at least ten years immediately preceding his death. The non-service-connected death pension claim was also denied due to the appellant's income exceeding the maximum annual pension rate.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a respiratory disability causing breathing difficulties, including asbestosis, has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) remains.

The Veteran's appeals for automobile and adaptive equipment, special home adaptation grant, and specially adapted housing have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal. The Board also dismissed the claim for service connection for PTSD as moot due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied compensation benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for PTSD due to treatment at a VA facility in 1999, finding that new and material evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. No decisions were made on any claims.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol dependence in remission is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied a rating in excess of this. The TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the Veteran and his attorney indicating they wish to withdraw their appeals for increased ratings for right knee disabilities and service connection for lumbar spine disc disease and a skin rash. The remaining issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) is being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have been aggravated by service, and he is granted a higher disability rating for his PTSD. Other claims were either denied or withdrawn.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since June 23, 2010. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for status post appendectomy and an increased rating for PTSD is dismissed. The Board grants the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional VA treatment records and support group records, as well as to consider whether new and material evidence has been received for a right knee disability claim. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and anxiety disorder) will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 29, 2012, for the awards of service connection for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU was denied as there is no evidence showing a valid claim or pursuit of such claims prior to that date.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no further action can be taken on the merits of this case.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and determined that his depressive disorder is not related to service. Therefore, the claims for both conditions were denied.