PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, but the Board has remanded to determine if his PTSD aggravated hypertension or caused interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his PTSD and skin disability, as well as the TDIU claim. The current rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was aggravated during his second period of active duty service. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease (IHD) prior to December 28, 2011, and a disability rating in excess of 60 percent thereafter is denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is granted as June 19, 2007, but no earlier. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for ischemic heart disease (IHD) is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and SMC based on aid and attendance was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support total social impairment due to PTSD, but rather a finding of occupational impairment.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals regarding the initial increased rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to an in-service stressor, which was corroborated by his personnel records and other supporting evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment beginning January 9, 2012. Prior to this date, the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence in partial remission is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms and impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Iraq, and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s PTSD symptoms did not warrant a higher than 50 percent rating. The claims for service connection for bilateral foot disorder and skin disorder are remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Board has denied requests for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for PTSD, left ankle disability, and tinnitus. The right knee disability was granted with an effective date of November 24, 2015, but the Veteran requested a prior effective date. The case is remanded to issue a Statement of the Case on this matter.

The Veteran's PTSD has been remanded for a new examination to assess its current severity due to recent admissions and treatment records.

The Board has determined that a referral to the Director of Compensation Service is required for an extraschedular TDIU evaluation prior to March 1, 2016 due to plausible evidence indicating the Veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's nerve damage to his left distal finger is granted service connection. The Veteran's PTSD claim remains pending as the VA examination was terminated prematurely.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the effective date of November 18, 2011 for service connection of coronary heart disease and his claim for a combined rating in excess of 60 percent were denied. The decision also noted that he had previously been granted separate ratings for other conditions.

The Veteran's initial hearing loss ratings for both ears are denied, and his claim for service connection of PTSD is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed stressors.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for trigeminal neuralgia is granted. The claim for PTSD and sinus tachycardia with cardiomegaly is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sinusitis and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) claims need further examination and evaluation before a final decision can be made.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding a 10% disability rating for tinnitus. The service connection claim for pneumothorax is remanded due to new evidence not raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The right knee and right eye disabilities, as well as PTSD, are also remanded.