PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The VA determined that a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD is warranted.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, as there was no link between the current diagnoses and in-service stressors. The Veteran's statements were considered to be outweighed by other evidence against the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran currently has PTSD as a result of enduring enemy mortar attacks while serving in Iraq, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (including PTSD, headaches, diabetes mellitus type 2, tinnitus, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy) preclude the Veteran from caring for some of his daily personal needs such as taking his medications, bathing, and preparing his meals without the regular assistance of another person and he needed assistance on a regular basis to protect him from the hazards and dangers in the daily environment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and affording the Veteran with VA examinations to determine the current severity of her service-connected disabilities. The appeal is now pending before the AOJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, as there is credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor and a link between current symptoms and the verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 10, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are indicative of reduced reliability and productivity but no more than occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and anxiety disorder). The initial compensable rating for bilateral pterygium was also denied. Effective dates were not granted for the awards of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify in-service stressors, obtain an opinion on the relationship between his anxiety disorder and tinnitus, and provide notification regarding secondary service connection requirements.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for earlier effective date and increased evaluation of posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board is dismissing these issues.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed as there are no allegations of errors of fact or law for appellate consideration.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The reopened claim is granted as it is at least as likely as not related to active service, specifically an in-service traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been reopened. However, his bilateral hearing loss disability is not considered a VA compensation disability due to normal hearing in both ears. The claims of service connection for heart disorder, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities, and prostate disorder are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and his combined rating includes a noncompensable rating for the gunshot wound to the left hand. The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD and found that he meets criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is granted as his current diagnosis of PTSD is at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors, including a shooting incident at the Madrid airport in 1976. The service connection will be decided based on the merits of the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects the level of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, circumstantial speech, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired short-term memory, and disturbances in motivation and mood.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to March 21, 2009. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for the period from March 21, 2009 onward.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD or a low back disability, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.