PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's drug and alcohol addiction is at least as likely as not attributable to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability (posttraumatic stress disorder with depression). As a result, service connection for residuals of drug and alcohol addiction is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to issues with the adequacy of a VA medical opinion and for additional development, including psychiatric examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression/anxiety, manifested by cold sweats, had its onset in service. The bilateral foot disability (pes planus and plantar fasciitis) was not incurred or aggravated by active service. The bilateral knee disability was not incurred in service, nor is it due to a service-connected disability. The hearing loss disability of either ear was not incurred in service. Tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unverified stressors and requests that the Veteran provide statements from individuals who can corroborate his inservice experiences.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of service connection for PTSD was granted, with the effective date set at March 26, 2007. The Veteran is currently rated at 30% for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected tinnitus and PTSD were evaluated, but the RO found that the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent for tinnitus was appropriate. The Veteran appealed this decision, seeking a higher evaluation. However, as the maximum schedular rating is already assigned, no further increase in evaluation can be granted under current regulations.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for PTSD for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The claim remains on hold until further action.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board finds that he is entitled to a schedular rating of at least 50 percent for his PTSD throughout the appeal period, and a TDIU from October 16, 2014.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, anxiety, and PTSD. The Board has decided to remand the case due to a request for a travel board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and his education folder. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU effective July 2011. The claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleeping disorder was denied in 2010 and not reopened. The Board found new evidence did not relate to the bases of denial, thus denying reopening of this claim. Service connection for PTSD is granted based on credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor related to witnessing a barracks fire at Fort Bragg

The Board has determined that the reduction in rating for coronary artery disease from 30 percent to 10 percent was improper, and restored the original 30 percent rating. The Veteran's PTSD claim is also on appeal.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and his claim of entitlement to service connection for a left kidney condition, to include residuals of renal cell carcinoma, was reopened.,PTSD is related to the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant impairment but not total occupational or social impairment. Service connection for basal cell carcinoma has been established.