PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board denied service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, back disorder, and neck disorder in March 1988. The Veteran's claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial.,Service connection was not established for bilateral hearing loss or tinnitus as there is no evidence of a current disability within one year after service separation.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, hearing loss, and tinnitus are being evaluated to determine if they make him unemployable.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are service-connected, as they are linked to his in-service stressors related to fear of hostile military activity during active service in Iraq. The Veteran's vestibular disorder is also service-connected due to a TBI sustained during service. Sinusitis and rhinitis with coughing have been found to be related to exposure to burn pits while serving in Balad, Iraq.

PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from February 22, 2012 to April 15, 2014. The Veteran experienced symptoms such as insomnia, restricted range of affect, frequent moderate depression and anxiety, marital stress due to mood disturbance, intrusive thoughts and memories, irritability or outbursts of anger triggered by work stress or physical illness, and panic attacks several times a month that interfered with job performance.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his current level of PTSD impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of July 28, 2010. The VA is also required to provide a new examination and opinion regarding the severity and onset of his left upper extremity mononeuropathy and left elbow disability due to their complexity and impact on employment.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as noncompensable, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on the requirement of continuous medication.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder. The claims for knee and hip conditions are remanded due to the need for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and a lower back disorder, finding that his current acquired psychiatric disorder did not meet diagnostic criteria and was not related to service. The decision also noted that he had an existing personality disorder but did not find it related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. A new VA examination may also be necessary.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were withdrawn prior to the Board's decision. The diabetes mellitus rating remains at 40 percent, and hypertension is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the earliest date as of which medical evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to a combat stressor in service, and to secure all relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and alcohol abuse in partial remission resulted in significant occupational and social impairment. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% prior to January 15, 2010 and increased to 70% thereafter. The Veteran is now entitled to a higher rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities have been granted, with effective dates set at February 17, 2009.,Effective from February 17, 2009, the Veteran is now entitled to VA benefits for her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol and opiate use disorder has been productive of total occupational and social impairment since December 22, 2008. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for this condition.

The Board has scheduled a new Travel Board hearing for the appellant due to her absence at the previous hearing. The claim will be returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and PTSD, began in service during an uncontrolled dive of his submarine. The claim is granted as service connection is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating and TDIU was granted, with the effective date set at March 27, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the claimant.