PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the Veteran's current psychiatric diagnosis and whether it is at least as likely as not related to her military service, including a reported assault while on active duty. The Veteran's claim remains in remand status.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied. The RO granted a 100% disability rating for PTSD effective February 13, 2012 to April 1, 2012 due to hospitalization.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD or a nerve disorder, and denied both claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, vision loss disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The reduction of the evaluation for his bilateral hearing loss from 40% to 20% was also found improper.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including verification of stressors, review of VA treatment records, and a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50% rating, while the reduction of his hearing loss disability from 30% to 10% was denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for ruptured breast implants secondary to a mammogram conducted in June 2004, finding that there was no legal basis for awarding benefits due to the mammogram not being performed by a VA employee or at a VA facility.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and clarifying whether he receives SSA disability benefits related to his PTSD. The TDIU claim will also be adjudicated concurrently.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to a risk factor of receiving blood transfusions during active military service. The claim for psychosis was denied as there was no qualifying wartime service period under which the benefit could be sought. Service connection for PTSD and depression is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 50 percent prior to March 1, 2013. From March 1, 2013, the Veteran's condition warranted a 100 percent rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and there is no evidence linking any diagnosed psychiatric condition to service. The claims for heart condition and hepatitis C are also denied as there is insufficient evidence to support their connection to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded to the AOJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus began during service and is related to his military service. The Veteran also has current diagnoses of PTSD and anxiety disorder, which are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in the need for regular aid and attendance, thus meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymic disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The disability picture more nearly approximates reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to an in-service personal assault, resolving all doubts in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected. The other psychiatric disorders, including ADHD and depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and mood disorder are also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was granted, but the initial rating for PTSD prior to May 17, 2010 is in excess of 50 percent and a higher rating since July 1, 2010 is denied. TDIU for the period prior to May 17, 2010 is also granted.