PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating as his disability picture does not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability or back disability, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The psychiatric disability claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis. Service connection for hepatitis C was also denied.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, and the Board finds that his gastrointestinal disabilities are at least as likely as not related to service-connected PTSD. The case is remanded for a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the gastrointestinal disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification on the relationship between her service-connected PTSD and a diagnosed pain disorder, as well as further consideration of her TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and adjudicating a claim for an increased rating for PTSD. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are not related to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is etiologically related to her active military service, and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective April 11, 2012.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20 percent since October 1, 2009. The AMC granted a TDIU rating prior to March 17, 2016.,The Veteran is currently unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and the grant of a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable or in need of aid and attendance, thus his claims for TDIU and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than major depressive disorder, to include PTSD, requires additional development including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at the highest possible rating (100%) due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to a personal assault during service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not found to be directly related to service or his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 100 percent, resolving reasonable doubt in his favor. Diabetes mellitus and the foot disabilities are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including verification of herbicide exposure and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's basic eligibility for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD have also been addressed, with the latter being found not to be established.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depression, is being remanded due to the Veteran's inability to travel for a hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, PTSD, and his bilateral hearing loss had their onset in service. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran also does not qualify for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal includes requests for an increased evaluation for PTSD, a retroactive effective date for the 70 percent rating, and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain relevant SSA records and to resend the VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's PTSD and ischemic heart disease with scars have been granted initial increased ratings, but service connection for abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid artery disease, and COPD/emphysema has not been established.