PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. Service connection is also established for benign prostate hypertrophy, but not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a nexus between the development of these conditions and service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for flat feet, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), bunions, and sleep apnea. The decision found that new evidence did not support reopening any of these claims.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating from July 23, 2007 to July 16, 2015 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter.,The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU effective July 2, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his acquired psychiatric disorders, including TBI, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. The claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the evidence supported these claims.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, but not housebound. Special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for PTSD was granted up to August 19, 2015. For his CAD, the Veteran received a 30 percent rating from January 7, 2010, to August 17, 2015, and a 60 percent rating beginning May 5, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and assigned a 30 percent disability rating, effective May 16, 2008. The VA determined that the condition meets the criteria for a 70 percent rating but only granted a 30 percent rating based on current symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and providing a new VA opinion to address the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period. TDIU is granted beginning December 12, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD and right foot plantar fasciitis have been rated, but the Board has determined that neither condition warrants a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bronchitis disabilities prevent her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation due to their severe impact on her ability to work.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD at least as likely as not renders her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that she meets the schedular requirements for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated as 10 percent disabling prior to January 18, 2013 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The Board found the Veteran's symptoms for the period beginning January 18, 2013 most closely approximated a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is proximately due to his service-connected schistomiasis. The neurologic disability, to include neck and back disabilities, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an improper interpretation of the requirements for a 70 percent PTSD evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration of his claims due to the possibility that his service-connected disabilities may have worsened since previous evaluations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone does not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a Travel Board hearing. The Veteran was previously notified of his scheduled hearing but did not appear.