PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 9, 2014. He is also granted TDIU and SMC based on housebound status from April 17, 2014 to July 9, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and peripheral neuropathies are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 28, 2007. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection for left ear hearing loss and PTSD has been granted. Right ear hearing loss remains pending. The Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating for the period prior to March 21, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than June 5, 2013 for the grant of a 100 percent rating for PTSD and DEA benefits. The Board found that there was no evidence showing total occupational and social impairment prior to this date.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with psychosis, along with other nonservice-connected conditions, has rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance. Effective January 13, 2006, the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. A new VA examination will also be conducted to assess the current symptoms and severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety, and depression are related to his service in Vietnam. The Veteran's stressors during service have been confirmed by his service records, and he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD based on his reported experiences. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hearing loss, and hypertension. The Veteran's PTSD is not shown to have been caused by or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating greater than 30 percent for PTSD prior to January 30, 2013 was denied. The Board found that the symptoms of PTSD did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals from May 19, 2015, warranted an initial disability rating of 60 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder, did not originate in service or within one year thereafter, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and securing any outstanding treatment records. The TDIU claim will also be developed on remand.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 30% from May 2, 1948 to August 18, 1950 and then increased to 70% effective May 28, 2015. The Board denied higher ratings for the periods in between.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining new VA examinations and considering TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran's COPD and PTSD are not service connected as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his service and involve fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD. As such, the Veteran is granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression are service-connected, but her TDIU claim is granted prior to the effective date of her PTSD rating increase.