PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD is remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 1, 2006 to October 18, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms of his PTSD have not met criteria for a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if additional conditions are associated with or secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to PTSD is being remanded as there are unclear issues regarding whether dementia, which has rendered him incompetent, can be differentiated from PTSD.

The Veteran's disability rating for PTSD to include major depressive disorder, panic disorder without agoraphobia, and history of alcohol abuse was restored from 50% to 70%. The reduction in the disability rating was not proper due to a lack of improvement in the Veteran’s ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all the listed issues, resulting in their dismissal.

The Veteran's PTSD with cannabis use disorder is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD was denied, but he was granted a TDIU due to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to incomplete records and need for further medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify in-service stressors and determine if other diagnosed psychiatric disorders had their clinical onset during service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be the principal cause of his death from Alzheimer's dementia, and thus service connection for cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% effective December 13, 2018.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a mental disorder related to in-service trauma, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability and that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a relationship between his current condition and military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness as secondary to his service-connected cardiomyopathy is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The VA examiner is required to confirm whether any of the claimed stressors are adequate to support a diagnosis of PTSD and whether the Veteran’s symptoms are related to the claimed stressor(s).

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol abuse in remission and TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their passing away, making the issue moot.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, heart condition, and diabetes mellitus have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, service connection is denied for these conditions.,PTSD was not found to be related to a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been reopened. The case is being remanded for additional development.