PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and alcohol dependence with alcohol induced mood disorder are granted.

The Board has determined that several issues related to service connection and effective dates are in need of further review due to procedural errors, including the failure to consider certain VA examination reports and the Veteran's updated address.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, but the rating assigned must be determined first. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may impact the effective date for the PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and CAD, are at least in equipoise with his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the evidence supports granting a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since November 19, 2013. The rating will remain in effect until further notice.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 30 percent rating, but no more. The TDIU claim was denied as the Veteran does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Veteran's cause of death was metastatic rectal cancer, which is not service-connected. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not substantially or materially contribute to his death from metastatic rectal cancer.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and TDIU is granted due to the combined effect of PTSD and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as it is aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was received on March 25, 2014. The Board denied an earlier effective date prior to March 25, 2014, as the earliest possible assignable effective date.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection for PTSD, TDIU, and SMC based on housebound. The Veteran's claims were not granted as the evidence did not show entitlement to these benefits prior to the specified dates.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and therefore DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder, was incurred during military service. Service connection is granted.

The Board has decided that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) and erectile dysfunction (as secondary to PTSD). The claims are being remanded due to incomplete verification of in-service stressors and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the occurrence of in-service stressors for PTSD, and a VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, irritability, and anxiety, are related to his service. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.