PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's hypertension, Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), and PTSD are not service-connected. The Board denied the extraschedular rating for IHD and the TDIU claim due to the Veteran's ability to work part-time as a chiropractor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied because he does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and the evidence does not support a finding that his symptoms began during service or are related to an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence being added by VA and the Veteran's representative requesting additional records. The claims will be reviewed again based on all available evidence.

The Board dismissed the appeal of SMC as it was granted in full with an effective date of June 13, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a skin disorder, PTSD, and compulsive gambling disorder due to conflicting opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and service. The Veteran's skin disorders are not related to his service, and he does not meet the criteria for PTSD. Service connection is granted for other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder (subthreshold PTSD).

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent her from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus the claim for Individual Unemployability (TDIU) was denied.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of August 27, 1966. The decision affords the benefit of doubt to the Veteran and considers the service personnel records in determining that his PTSD may have had its onset during military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is service-connected due to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, sleep apnea, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction) do not render him unemployable as he has been continuously employed for over two decades.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but not total occupational and social impairment. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent is denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at 40 percent from July 23, 2014. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened since his last VA examination and a new evaluation is needed to determine the appropriate rating for PTSD. TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD issue.

The Board has remanded both issues of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected PTSD and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to the need for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for hypertension and granted it as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's current hypertension is found to be caused or chronically worsened by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the appeals due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in areas such as family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board finds that a 100 percent rating for the period on appeal is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left and right ankle osteoarthritis, and sinusitis, are found to be related to his military service. The claims for service connection are granted.

The Board has determined that the previous VA examination is inadequate due to the Veteran's testimony regarding continuity of depressive symptoms since service and self-medication. The case is REMANDED for an addendum opinion from a VA examiner or another appropriate examiner.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verification of service dates and obtaining treatment records. The claims will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD from August 14, 2013 has been withdrawn.