PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection has been withdrawn. The Board finds that a higher rating for PTSD is not warranted prior to August 5, 2015, but the current 70 percent rating from that date is also denied.

The Board has withdrawn the appeal for an increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran's TBI is currently rated at 10 percent, effective from the date of service connection.

The Board found that a chronic acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) was not manifested in service and any such current disability is not shown to be related to the Veteran's service. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD), ADD, and adjustment and mood disorders is denied.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU since January 13, 2011 and basic eligibility for DEA benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38 of the United States Code as of that date.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is so severe that it prevents him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD and Parkinson's disease have been granted increased ratings, earlier effective dates for various service connection determinations, TDIU, and SMC based on housebound criteria. The Veteran is also entitled to a 70 percent disability rating for impairment of the left upper extremity secondary to Parkinson's disease.

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

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder, and thus service connection cannot be established. The Veteran's alcohol use disorder was also found to not be related to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate VA examination and failure to consider the appellant's statements about fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since July 20, 2009. The Tinnitus is rated at 10 percent. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to July 28, 2017 and 70 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently bedridden due to his service-connected disabilities, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound status.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to its inextricability with other claims, and the Veteran's increased rating claims for sinusitis and PTSD have not yet been adjudicated. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and he has been employed full-time with VA since September 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not been manifested by total occupational and social impairment due to psychiatric symptomatology, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling since April 8, 2015. The Board finds that the Veteran's symptoms have been consistent with those required for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for PTSD and skin disorder due to chemical burns.,PTSD and skin disorder due to chemical burns remain denied as there is no established service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and substance abuse disorder are currently rated as 70 percent disabling, but the Board finds that an increased rating is not warranted.,Hypertension was first diagnosed in approximately 2006, more than a decade after service, and there is no evidence of its onset during active duty. The Veteran's current hypertension does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection based on exposure to Gulf War conditions.