PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran is entitled to a disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD prior to June 29, 2012 and in excess of 50 percent thereafter. The effective date for the increased rating is June 29, 2012.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and granted entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD. The diagnosis is linked to an in-service stressor event.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% evaluation prior to May 18, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for a new evaluation due to additional evidence submitted by the Veteran, including lay statements and medical records. The focus is on determining if any psychiatric disability shown during the current appeal period is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's military service, specifically his reported in-service assault.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the May 2015 rating decision that recharacterized his service-connected anxiety disorder as PTSD and assigned a 50 percent evaluation, effective April 22, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus, sarcoidosis, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and MDD), glaucoma, and chronic sinusitis are all service-connected based on direct evidence of their onset during military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a heart disability, to include as due to exposure to an herbicidal agent and as secondary to a service-connected disability is dismissed. The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is dismissed. The Veteran's appeal for total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in permanent and total disability that is due to the loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities so as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. As such, he is entitled to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability. The Veteran has not demonstrated an inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's current bilateral shoulder disability is etiologically related to his active military service, and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for this condition. The acquired psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression) are also found to be related to service. However, there is no evidence of cold injury residuals.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder, skin disorder, and back disorder. The evidence now supports these claims as they are related to the Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other conditions. The evidence shows that his current diagnoses are related to his active service.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is less likely than not due to her in-service fall and miscarriage, as well as her post-service hysterectomy. The opinion did not address whether the disorder was related to service.

PTSD is rated at 70% since February 8, 1999 and TDIU was granted from February 8, 1999 to December 9, 2002 and January 8, 2004 to March 20, 2004.,PTSD remains rated at 70% since December 9, 2002.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for PTSD has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to issue an SOC on the claim of service connection for ED, secondary to hypertension.

The Board has reopened the claim for PTSD and granted service connection. The issue of psychiatric disability other than PTSD is currently pending, but no action is taken on this specific issue as it was not addressed in the May 2015 remand.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating for PTSD with drug and alcohol dependence has been withdrawn by the representative. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to decide the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for bipolar disorder and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's conditions were aggravated by service. The rating assigned is 100%.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and confirming the Veteran's correct address. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.