PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes mellitus, PTSD, skin disorder, paralysis of the median nerve, and paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current disability in most cases and that the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents did not apply due to lack of service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and low back syndrome, caused him to be substantially confined to his dwelling and immediate premises. However, the need for aid and attendance was not due solely to these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened since his last VA examination, and he is requesting an increased rating. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the effective date of service connection, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including PTSD and major depression, were granted. The rating assigned for GERD was increased to 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his claims, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for TDIU from March 22, 2010; his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and theories of causation, including service connection for various disabilities allegedly related to poisoning during service. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, schedule appropriate VA examinations, and consider the Veteran's claims in light of his reported exposures.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, make it impossible for him to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that his combined disability rating is significant enough to preclude him from maintaining such employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, claimed as secondary to PTSD with anxiety and MDD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective May 9, 2011, the date he filed his claim for service connection of PTSD. The Board found that he did not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to this date due to conflicting evidence regarding his employment status and inconsistent reports from the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 100 percent throughout the entire period of the claim, and service connection for fibromyalgia is denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, concluding that the condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an addendum medical opinion to consider other posttraumatic stress disorder stressors and a VA psychiatric examination to address acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and MDD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to her in-service stressors. The TDIU issue is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating assigned.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, and hypertension are rated as 60 percent disabling. The Veteran's stomach ulcers are not service connected.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and CAD prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records related to his SSDI application. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for thyroid cancer are on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since July 6, 2016. The left foot ulcer has not been service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease leading to these conditions.