PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and to reopen his claim for a nervous disorder, including schizophrenia. The decision found no evidence of an in-service stressor leading to PTSD and concluded that any current psychiatric disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was rated at 30 percent prior to February 17, 2010 and increased to 50 percent from February 17, 2010 to May 19, 2011. The TDIU claim is moot as of May 20, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 8, 2010. The Board finds that the disability more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for disequilibrium and an initial rating higher than 30 percent for PTSD. The issue of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) was remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board hearing. The issue remains in appellate status regarding his initial higher disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for left and right knee disorders, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is evaluated at a 30 percent disability rating, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, sleep impairment, and difficulty in establishing effective social relationships.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, hypertension, heart disease, dyslexia, kidney disability, respiratory disability, and bilateral shoulder disability has been granted. He is also awarded special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling conflicts for a Board hearing. The claims will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the Veteran's claims for PTSD and a skin disorder of the groin and feet, thus denying these applications.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his right upper extremity disability, necessitate regular aid and attendance of another person. As a result, the claim for SMC on the basis of need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board finds that the current rating adequately captures the severity of his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, and his depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and mood disorder are not related to service or any incident therein. As such, service connection is denied.

The evidence shows that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by minimal symptoms resulting in no social or occupational impairment, and thus does not warrant a higher initial rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder of the feet and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, as well as his claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private treatment records from Lake Sunapee VNA & Hospice and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to events in service, including being on a ship covered in ice and fearing for his life. The claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's alcohol abuse is caused or aggravated by her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a third hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.