PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and erectile dysfunction render him in need of regular aid and attendance, with the Board resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetic retinopathy were denied. The claim for a higher rating for diabetic retinopathy was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims for increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II, as well as a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective February 25, 2013. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating prior to that date and do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from 2001-2004 and a new psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's sole service-connected disability, PTSD, does not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and panic disorder without agoraphobia has been rated at 70 percent since September 29, 2014. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the condition caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to occasional suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic attacks affecting his ability to function independently, impaired impulse control, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting), and an inability to establish effective relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since September 30, 2016. A TDIU is granted effective August 9, 2010.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD with depression and anxiety, as well as hypertension that is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound, as he is able to perform most daily activities with assistance when needed.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to secure private treatment records and SSA disability determination.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the earliest date of entitlement was January 31, 2011.,VA regulations do not allow for an earlier effective date for hepatitis B as it did not meet the criteria for a 10 percent evaluation prior to January 31, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disabilities, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, are related to his military sexual trauma in service. The appeal is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new VA examination and addendum opinion to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) and a low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any psychiatric disorder is related to service. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this development.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 30 percent rating from June 19, 2009, to June 20, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and consideration of his TDIU claim.