PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities alone, as his COPD, PTSD, lumbar disc disease, and burn scars do not meet the criteria for SMC at a higher rate.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder with mild anxiety and PTSD, is currently rated at 30 percent. This rating reflects the severity of his symptoms which include difficulty sleeping, nightmares, estrangement, and depression.

The Veteran's appeal is being returned to the Board for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need to determine his employment status prior to April 25, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for higher ratings for PTSD and a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD. The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records, arranging for an examination of the Veteran's PTSD, and considering the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling an in-person hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Atlanta RO. The issues include evaluations for various service-connected conditions and seeking benefits such as special monthly compensation and TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, anemia, sleep apnea, hiatal hernia, and GERD have been granted with a noncompensable initial rating for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressors and grants service connection for this condition. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between any psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development of his claims, including a VA examination and obtaining all pertinent records. The claims include a higher rating for PTSD with secondary dysthymia and a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his PTSD has been granted, with the highest possible schedular rating of 100 percent being assigned.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened, leading to a higher rating from November 3, 2012. Prior to this date, the symptoms were moderate and caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and PTSD have been withdrawn by the appellant. The Board has no further jurisdiction in these matters.

The Veteran is entitled to SMC at the (r-1) rate due to his service-connected seizure disorder and PTSD, both of which individually require regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent, effective September 30, 2013. The rating is based on the symptoms of irritability, depressed mood, sleep difficulty, and difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships with others.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder resulted in significant occupational and social impairment from November 27, 2007 to July 19, 2009. From July 20, 2009 to November 24, 2013, the disability prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to August 9, 2013. The disability did not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran had a 100% disability rating for service-connected PTSD, but the Appellant did not apply for DEA benefits before her 31st birthday and thus is not eligible for the benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to address the Veteran's reported stressors in service, including his fear while serving aboard a ship off the coast of Lebanon. The TDIU claim is dependent on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to August 22, 2015, and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD warranted a higher rating based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.