PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted service connection. The Veteran's PTSD has also been granted, with a rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates were denied as the evidence did not show he was unemployable due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 8, 2011.

The Board has determined that the issue of service connection for PTSD with insomnia, anxiety and adjustment disorder is moot as it has already been granted in a January 2017 rating decision.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service records and requests for additional evidence. The claims will be reconsidered after all available records are obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and PTSD were denied in October 2004. He submitted a new claim to reopen his previously denied claims on November 15, 2010, which resulted in the grant of service connection for both conditions effective November 15, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, right ear hearing loss, and tinnitus were granted effective March 19, 2012. The appeals seeking earlier effective dates prior to this date are denied.,No service connection was established before March 19, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render him so helpless or bedridden as to require regular aid and attendance, thus the claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) for aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran died from cardiopulmonary arrest due to sepsis syndrome. The Board found that this condition was not incurred or aggravated by service and is not related to any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD, is granted as service connected. The claim for PTSD is denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence and inconsistency with the circumstances of his service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective March 15, 2011. The claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent disabling effective May 10, 2016. The RO denied an earlier effective date for the increased rating.

The Veteran's DJD and DDD of the lumbosacral spine was granted a 40% rating from November 25, 2007 to March 7, 2012. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, along with PTSD, has been rated at 50 percent since January 18, 2005. The Board granted a TDIU prior to September 18, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and there is insufficient evidence to corroborate her in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, major depressive disorder, mood disorder, pain disorder, and generalized anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left little finger neuropathy, and tinnitus, do not meet the criteria for a TDIU on a schedular basis.,However, the Veteran's parents are dependent on him for their reasonable maintenance, entitling them to additional compensation based on dependent parents.