PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of September 18, 2007. The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss and eye disorder was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to August 30, 2012 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that it meets the criteria for a higher rating. His fatty liver condition is not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of diabetes mellitus and PTSD were denied as the earliest date of claim was not within one year after separation from active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records, as well as consideration of his TDIU claim in conjunction with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and asbestosis, render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment. The Board grants total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is attributable to his service in the Korean War.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depression are related to his military service, including being in fear of enemy fire during service in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent evaluation effective November 19, 2015. His bilateral hearing loss and gastrointestinal disorder claims are pending.

The VA medical opinions determined that the service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute to the Veteran's death. The Board found the private medical opinions of limited probative value due to their lack of a reasoned analysis and reliance on the Veteran's claims file.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment prior to October 13, 2011. The symptoms have been more consistent with moderate impairment.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional evidence regarding the in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for DVT is also being remanded. Additionally, the TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Board finds that the reduction of the rating for Traumatic Brain Injury from 70% to 10%, effective October 1, 2012, was proper as it did not result in a reduction of compensation payments.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, acting alone, require the need of assistance for daily activities such as hygiene and medication management. The Board finds that aid and attendance is warranted solely because of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting the grant of SMC based on this need.

The Veteran is not entitled to an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on housebound status as he did not meet the criteria for housebound status until July 20, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is not linked to his military service and denied the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are being remanded due to the need for further administrative efforts to confirm his reported combat service in Korea. A VA examination is also required to determine if these conditions are related to his active service.