PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, anxiety disorder, and PTSD. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses for most of his claimed conditions and finds no evidence to support service connection for these disorders. The only condition found by the Board with a possible link to service is dementia, but this was many years after service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection.

The Board found no legal entitlement to an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with major depression, as the Veteran did not submit a claim prior to May 12, 2010. The January 2011 rating decision is considered final.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, depressive disorder, and PTSD, is found to be related to his service experiences. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the current severity of service-connected headache disorder and review of the claims for anxiety and depression with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, left breast gynecomastia, and shortness of breath.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is manifested by total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating. As the only service-connected disability, this leaves no question of law or fact to decide regarding the TDIU issue.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment since December 31, 2009. The Board has determined that a 100 percent rating is warranted for his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address the Veteran's contentions regarding in-service events and their relation to his current psychiatric disorders. The issue of service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder will be re-evaluated based on this additional evidence.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of his claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from April 21, 2011. He also received SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, primarily PTSD with major depressive disorder, has caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but not total impairment. The VA determined that a higher initial rating of 70 percent is warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and did not have an acquired psychiatric disorder due to service. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including nightmares and flashbacks, worsened after he stopped taking two medications due to syncopal falls. Despite this, his suicidal ideation resolved with the help of medication adjustments and job search support.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of additional evidence and a discussion of the impact of newly service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's employability.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and psychosis, were not manifested in service or related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's PTSD. The appeal is also deferred due to its inextricability with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of serious symptomatology including intrusive thoughts about his military service, avoidance, isolation, irritability, anger, sleep disturbances, nightmares, anxiety, depression, disturbances of mood and motivation, difficulty in stressful circumstances, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. However, total social and occupational impairment has not been shown.