PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected. The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 70% rating, but no higher.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction and incontinence, as well as an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed due to his Vietnam Era service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further adjudication due to the need for additional medical records and a determination of service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further investigation and examination regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor involving his friend's death, as well as a psychiatric VA examination if the stressor is verified.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The claim for TDIU was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to his PTSD.

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

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% from December 1, 2009 to October 9, 2014 and granted a higher rating of 70% for the period from October 10, 2014. The decision does not address service connection or exposure basis.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, and his PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to March 9, 2010. The ratings are denied.

The appeals have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. Service connection for left lower extremity neuropathy and right lower extremity neuropathy are denied, while a rating in excess of 20 percent for bilateral hearing loss prior to November 28, 2017, is denied, but from that date a 40 percent rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination findings, lack of VA treatment records, and need for further medical opinions regarding the etiology of any present psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a rating of 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's need for higher level of aid and attendance is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rate under Section 1114(r) due to lack of anatomical loss or use, blindness, or significant disabilities exceeding the requirements for any of the rates prescribed in this section.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and denied the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy of the extremities, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD is granted. Service connection for COPD and migraines are remanded, as well as the issue of special monthly compensation for aid and attendance and/or housebound.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for tinnitus and PTSD have been denied as there is no evidence of an earlier claim or intent to apply for benefits.,For the remaining issues, including service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, low back disability, skin rash, and initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, the case has been remanded for further development.

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