PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 22, 2008 to November 15, 2010, reflecting moderate social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is granted as there was an in-service personal assault and the Veteran has current diagnosed PTSD. The hearing loss claim remains pending due to insufficient evidence regarding a clinically significant threshold shift during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's need for aid and attendance based on his service-connected schizophrenia and PTSD. The VA is instructed to schedule a new examination to determine if these conditions result in regular need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating for the entire initial rating period from October 16, 2007 to August 13, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his incarceration and failure to appear for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records, particularly those related to his PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including verifying stressors and exposure to herbicides. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to a possible gap in the medical records between August 2010 and April 2012. The VA must obtain these records.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and TDIU based on PTSD is granted. He is awarded a 10 percent rating for each of his elbow scars, effective April 24, 2006. His PTSD is rated at 70 percent since May 24, 2007, with the possibility of higher ratings depending on future evaluations. TDIU based solely on PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, which was service-connected, contributed to his death from suspected pulmonary embolism. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA and SSA records, conduct a new examination, and re-adjudicate the claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all evidence.

The Board has ordered additional development due to outstanding records, including SSA and Vet Center treatment records. The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, specifically an in-service sexual trauma/personal assault.

The Board found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between the Veteran's current hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), and his military service. The preponderance of the evidence did not establish such a connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying the Veteran's claimed stressors and obtaining VA and non-VA medical records. The Veteran is also to be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment since October 17, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, reflecting total occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as sleep disturbances, hyperarousal, nightmares, flashbacks, disinterest in social activities, irritability, anger, suspiciousness, memory loss, flattened affect, disturbances of motivation and mood, and an inability to establish effective relationships. However, the Veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent disabling, effective June 14, 2011. The disability is characterized by memory interference, depression, anxiety, difficulty adapting, panic attacks, disturbances of mood, and sleep impairment with significant occupational and social impairment.