PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD as of June 8, 2012. The Board dismissed the appeal due to this withdrawal.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and clarifying opinions regarding his psychiatric, shoulder, cervical spine, gastrointestinal, and sleep disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and thus grants a TDIU.

The Board has determined that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorders, among others, is warranted. However, the decision also notes that there was insufficient evidence to link these conditions directly to service or a personal assault.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability and anxiety are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his gastrointestinal disorder. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the gastrointestinal disability issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at a scheduled personal hearing before the Board. The case will be returned to the Board for further appellate proceedings.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied, and the claim for TDIU was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and schizophrenia are linked to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and an unspecified anxiety disorder. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's claims for high cholesterol, bilateral eye disorders, gastrointestinal disorder (including acid reflux), and skin disorder are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances (including work or a worklike setting); and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective relationships. The Veteran was found unemployable due to his PTSD for the period from November 9, 2000, to January 21, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is dismissed as the Board found no CUE in the February 1978 rating decision.,There was no CUE in the February 1978 rating decision's assignment of June 16, 1977, as the effective date for skin disorder. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for prostatitis is denied because he did not file a formal or informal claim until June 28, 2006. His claim is also denied due to the lack of evidence showing that his urinary leakage required absorbent materials more than four times per day prior to March 3, 2014.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for prostatitis is denied as he did not file a formal or informal claim until June 28, 2006. His claim is also denied due to the lack of evidence showing that his urinary leakage required absorbent materials more than four times per day prior to March 3, 2014.,The Veteran's retroactive payment for PTSD by a December 1999 Board decision was correct and he received the proper amount. His claim is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder arthritis is granted as his current condition is at least as likely as not incurred during combat.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to prostatitis is granted as it is at least as likely as not related to the service-connected prostatitis. His claim is also granted based on loss of erectile power.,The Veteran's spouse's need for regular aid and attendance does not meet the criteria for SMC, thus his claim is denied.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based upon loss of use of a creative organ is granted as he has lost use of his left hand due to an injury. His claim is also granted based on his spouse's need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of August 19, 1987 for service-connection of PTSD. The decision states that the earliest date for the claim was August 19, 1997 and no examination to evaluate his PTSD in conjunction with the August 1987 claim was necessary.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder condition and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or stressor.

The case is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of the Veteran's migraine headaches, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and depression NOS), and bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no credible evidence of a relationship between his current disabilities and military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, respiratory disability (COPD), and hiatal hernia. The reasons are provided in the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder with major depressive episodes and post-traumatic stress disorder render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, leading the Board to grant TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50% rating effective May 20, 2016. The TDIU claim is denied.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has PTSD related to his military service, and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. The remand includes obtaining an updated medical opinion that considers the Veteran's reported in-service experiences and symptoms.