PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to November 29, 2013. The Veteran’s headache disability remains at a 50 percent rating throughout the appeal period. A separate rating for tinnitus associated with his headache disability is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have made it impossible for him to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment since December 21, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to a lack of evidence showing an informal claim prior to December 26, 2007.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision is based on insufficient evidence and requires further examination and review.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, auditory hallucinations, and difficulty adapting to stressful situations.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was granted. The appeals for cancer of the sinus and sleep apnea were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetic neuropathy have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since October 27, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for depression and entitlement to a TDIU are dismissed as they have been addressed in a final rating decision.

The Veteran's GERD is granted service connection as it had its onset during active duty. Service connection for PTSD and a chronic disability of the left leg muscle are denied.

The Board has dismissed all the issues related to service connection and rating for hypertension, lumbar spine disorder, PTSD, and TDIU due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on multiple shoulder and elbow conditions have been dismissed. The issues of increased rating for PTSD prior to August 22, 2012, are denied as the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating. As of August 22, 2012, the Veteran’s PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of PTSD, an acquired psychiatric condition including PTSD, diabetes mellitus type 2, and hypertension as secondary to PTSD or diabetes mellitus type 2 due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected respiratory disorders and PTSD, and thus remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance was remanded due to his inability to attend a VA examination. The case is now being sent back for another examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and knee conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

Service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is granted. From January 26, 2011 to July 26, 2018, an initial rating of 50 percent for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD) is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a new examination is needed to determine if his symptoms warrant a higher rating.

The Board has found that the Veteran's cervical spine, headache, and PTSD disabilities are service connected. However, his bilateral upper extremity disability remains unresolved due to conflicting medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD has been dismissed due to the appellant's death.