PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is rated at 70 percent since July 29, 2008 and the claim for increased rating has been granted.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and leiomyosarcoma.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has rendered her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. The abdominal scars have been rated as 10 percent disabling for pain.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for PTSD with chronic MDD and hypothyroidism were denied as he did not file an informal or formal claim prior to February 9, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is rated at 70 percent since December 17, 2015. The Board has granted a TDIU effective November 3, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a bilateral foot disorder.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD, but denied the claim as there is no evidence of a valid diagnosis of PTSD. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, that manifested in service or is otherwise related to her military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is not shown to have been manifested by symptoms productive of impairment greater than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. Therefore, a rating in excess of 50 percent is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran currently suffers from PTSD as a result of stressors experienced during his service in Vietnam, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds TDIU is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran's attorney, including a polygraph examination report. The AOJ is also requested to obtain additional in-patient records of treatment for depression and substance abuse from the 1970s or 1980s.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him bedridden, confined to his immediate premises, or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, he is not eligible for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) because it was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 30, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete compliance with previous directives and need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is found to be related to his service in Vietnam. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board granted a higher disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, effective September 24, 2015. The Veteran's COPD was also found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD related to his Vietnam service is granted. The appeal regarding the issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, and an increased disability rating for diabetes mellitus are dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is shown to have been productive of a disability picture involving occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting an initial schedular rating of 70 percent.