PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The medications the Veteran took for his service-connected disabilities, including pain medication and PTSD treatment, caused his death from small bowel obstruction.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, and restless leg syndrome as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including amputation above the right knee and posttraumatic stress disorder, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on this need.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his Coast Guard service and credible supporting evidence of their occurrence. The decision is based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 70 percent to 50 percent effective March 1, 2016, which the Board found improper.,The Veteran's psoriasis has not been rated in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by reduced reliability and productivity, with symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, and social isolation. The Board finds that a 50 percent evaluation is warranted for the disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disability and bilateral hearing loss have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's death was determined to be due to a service-connected disability (arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease related to Agent Orange exposure), and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was established based on this. However, the appellant did not meet the age requirement for DEA benefits as she turned 26 before the effective date of her eligibility.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The case has been remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a joint disability, a gastrointestinal disability, a lumbar spine disability, and a cervical spine disability have all been denied. The VA examinations did not find any current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claimed conditions did not manifest during a period of active military service and are not otherwise related to such service. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to February 6, 2013, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were considered mild and he was able to maintain social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms are consistent with a 70 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

Service connection for PTSD was granted effective September 20, 2005. The Veteran is currently rated at the highest schedular rating of 70% for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for additional information regarding his employment history and a separate claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease. The issue of TDIU will be reconsidered after these issues are resolved.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including an addendum VA examination opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with anxiety/depression, is related to his service-connected disabilities. His PTSD claim cannot be granted as there is no credible supporting evidence that the claimed stressors occurred in service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and mood disorder has been manifested by severe symptoms equivalent in severity to gross impairment in thought processes or communication, resulting in total occupational and social impairment. The claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify his claimed stressors and provide him with VCAA notice regarding the methods for substantiating a claim for PTSD related to a personal assault stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment prior to April 9, 2014. After that date, the disability caused more severe impairments warranting a higher rating.