PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from April 21, 2006 through January 2, 2007, and from April 1, 2007 through July 1, 2008. The Board also granted a TDIU due to PTSD for these periods.

The Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for PTSD was received on August 20, 2010. The effective date of service connection for PTSD is fixed in accordance with the facts found but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of the application to reopen.,The Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for dysmenorrhea and fibroid uterus status post total abdominal hysterectomy was received on April 12, 2010. The effective date of service connection for this condition is fixed in accordance with the facts found but shall not be earlier than the date of receipt of the application to reopen.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and outstanding VA medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is being reviewed.

The Board has decided that further development is needed before the case can be properly adjudicated, including obtaining updated treatment records and a VA psychiatric examination to address the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, and the effective date of his 70 percent disability rating is set at July 20, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the combined effects of diabetes mellitus with PTSD, sensorineural hearing loss; and diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities warrant an extraschedular rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since April 23, 2006.,For the right knee disability, a rating of 10 percent has been assigned effective November 10, 2014.

The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and mood disorder NOS. The examiner opined that her current conditions are more likely related to post-service life events rather than in-service incidents.

The Veteran's death from liver cancer is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking his PTSD or any other condition to service.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his service, as evidenced by in-service noise exposure. The skin disability is not currently diagnosed, but may be due to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is also not currently diagnosed, though it is suggested based on the Veteran's reported experiences.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including searching for in-service hospitalization records and obtaining a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with secondary depression and anxiety, based on credible evidence of in-service stressors and a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment prior to November 5, 2014, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran seeks SMC in excess of the intermediate rate between 38 U.S.C. � 1114(n) and (o) plus (k). The case is REMANDED to determine if the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance or a higher level of care due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, hepatitis B, diabetes mellitus, and a sinus disability due to lack of evidence showing in-service exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's ship ran aground off the coast of Vietnam but did not serve on landmass or inland waterways.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 10 percent prior to December 5, 2010. As of December 5, 2010, the rating for PTSD was increased to 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection was denied. The initial rating for PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse remains at 30 percent, and the appeals for other conditions were not addressed.

The Veteran's original claim for PTSD was received on August 5, 2009. The Board denied an earlier effective date.,An effective date of March 7, 2003 is granted for the addition of the Veteran's spouse as a dependent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 20, 2015, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.