PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has been notified of the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal regarding the rating for service-connected PTSD. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has reopened the claims for PTSD, hypertension, and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's current conditions are presumed to be related to service due to their onset within one year of discharge.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 4, 2002. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and right ankle condition, as well as to clarify his current psychiatric diagnoses. The claims for service connection on these issues are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to in-service personal assaults, and thus service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board has determined that a disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for PTSD is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for pulmonary amyloidosis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD, as his symptoms were consistent with a 30 percent disability rating. Service connection for pulmonary amyloidosis could not be established due to lack of evidence showing it was related to herbicide exposure or service.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which include PTSD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right knee internal derangement, and left knee arthritis. The Veteran's overall picture indicates that he needs constant supervision due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and determine if there have been any changes in severity since May 19, 2006. The TDIU claim will also be adjudicated.

The Veteran's death was caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome due to sepsis and cirrhosis, which were linked to his service-connected PTSD. As a result, the Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading the Board to grant TDIU.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection claims for PTSD and depression, finding new and material evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims. The underlying issue is addressed in the remand portion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining mental health treatment records and scheduling a hearing.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, PTSD, and hypertension are all found to be related to his active duty service. Insomnia is not considered a separate condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the evidence does not show that his disability warrants a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his service-connected PTSD. The issue of DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for ischemic heart disease were denied, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Service connection was also denied for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the issues of PTSD and hearing loss remain on appeal.