PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric and psychological examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and anxiety disorders) and low back disability are currently on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and MDD are related to his service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the claimant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for flat feet was previously denied. The issue of an increased evaluation for PTSD prior to December 21, 2015, is granted at a 70% rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and PTSD due to incomplete VA treatment records, failure to notify of new PTSD provisions, and need for further opinion regarding service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from September 1, 2009, to June 16, 2014. The rating of 50 percent is appropriate for this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a link between his current symptoms and an in-service stressor, despite the Veteran's fear of hostile military activity.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to January 5, 2010, and no greater than occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas from January 5, 2010 to March 13, 2013. Therefore, the Veteran is not entitled to a schedular rating in excess of 50 percent prior to January 5, 2010, and in excess of 70 percent from January 5, 2010 to March 13, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bipolar disorder, along with the medications used to treat them, contributed substantially and materially to his underlying cause of death, which was diagnosed as dementia. Therefore, the Veteran's service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran was in need of regular aid and attendance due to service-connected PTSD, cognitive disorder, dementia, and cardiovascular issues. The decision grants special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 14, 2008. The Board found that the disability results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depression, lack of motivation, desire to isolate himself, crying spells, feelings of hopelessness, occasional episodes of violence, anxiety, suspiciousness, exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating, difficulty communicating, sleep impairment, occasional auditory hallucinations, and occasional neglect of hygiene and household chores.

The Board found that the Veteran has a confirmed DSM-5 diagnosis of PTSD and that his in-service stressors are related to fear of hostile military activity. The evidence is at least in equipoise, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings, including obtaining clarification and supplemental opinions regarding the need for aid and attendance based on service-connected disabilities. The claim is also being remanded to issue a Statement of the Case for issues related to service connection or the cause of the Veteran's death and entitlement to DIC.

The Veteran's PTSD, joint pain, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, sexual dysfunction, and depression are all found to be related to his service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a PTSD examination, and completing a VA social and industrial survey.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The symptoms include depression, anger, irritability, suicidal ideation, panic attacks, and sleep impairment due to nightmares.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's cervical degenerative joint disease and acquired psychiatric disability were not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination. The TDIU claim will also be remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, a panic disorder depression, an adjustment disability, and posttraumatic stress disorder was granted. The TDIU issue is also addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and finds that there is at least a reasonable doubt as to whether the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service. The evidence is in equipoise, thus granting service connection.