PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and he has been granted a TDIU from January 1, 2015.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability, entitlement to service connection for cardiomyopathy, to include as secondary to hypertension, and entitlement to a compensable evaluation for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety has been rated at 70 percent since April 17, 2012. The Board finds that the rating of 50 percent prior to this date is warranted due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 14, 2006. The VA determined that his symptoms have not yet reached the level of occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as mood disorder and major depressive disorder are due to in-service stressors related to his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse in sustained remission is rated at 50 percent, effective August 20, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to produce occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating of 30 percent before April 11, 2017. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his service-connected PTSD as it substantially contributed to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling from November 1, 2006 through August 27, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, adjustment disorder, and unspecified mood disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical opinions and inextricably intertwined issues of service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been rated based on their current severity, with the PTSD receiving a 70% rating prior to December 27, 2013, and a 100% rating thereafter. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for TDIU as of December 27, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that an effective date of February 24, 1999 is warranted for the grant of service connection for PTSD and schizophrenia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected PTSD. The claim will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective June 15, 2010. The RO denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder disorder and sleep apnea in the May 2011 rating decision. Service connection was granted for these conditions in subsequent decisions.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol abuse have been shown to be productive of occupational impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms not adequately contemplated by the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation. The Board is partially granting an increased rating for PTSD and alcohol abuse.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to clarify the Veteran's currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders and provide an opinion as to their etiology. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS.

The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's service-connected bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and posttraumatic stress disorder have rendered him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting SMC based on this need.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering whether referral to the Director, Compensation Service is warranted.