PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected, with the Board finding that there was a current diagnosis and a link between his in-service stressor and his condition.

The Veteran's hearing loss disability of the right ear is granted service connection. The appeals for hypertension and erectile dysfunction are dismissed, and the appeal for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and anxiety) is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and anxiety has been rated at 50 percent since April 11, 2007. The Board denied a higher rating for the condition and dismissed the claim for TDIU.

The Board has denied service connection for back and bilateral knee disabilities due to a lack of continuity or recurrent symptoms since separation from active service. Service connection for a psychiatric disability (including PTSD) is remanded due to the need for verification of a claimed stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 30 percent evaluation prior to June 23, 2009.

The Veteran's service records do not show any diagnosed psychiatric conditions during his military service. The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran’s current acquired psychiatric disorder and his military service, including incidents of racial injustice.

The Veteran's cause of death, methadone toxicity by suicide, was found to be related to his in-service back disability and subsequent opiate abuse and dependency. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death but dismissed the claim for dependency and indemnity compensation as DIC benefits have now been awarded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, due to lack of new and material evidence. The appeals for multiple body traumas, low back disorder, neck disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and vertigo are also remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to a new and material evidence finding, as his in-service stressor was confirmed and linked to his current symptoms.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to September 26, 2005 and from September 26, 2005 to May 6, 2010. The Veteran's representative requests that all issues be remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance. The increased rating claims for traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine and bursitis of the right shoulder are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from June 8, 2017. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they were consistent with the current assigned rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from April 12, 2011. A TDIU has been granted due to the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be at least as likely as not related to his experiences in Vietnam, where he was exposed to weapons fire and explosions. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in diagnoses and need for further examination regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that his symptoms are at least as likely as not related to an in-service stressor involving abusive encounters with law enforcement agents.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected. The Veteran's PTSD is granted for the period prior to February 18, 2015, but denied for a rating in excess of 70 percent after that date.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on his symptoms.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding VA treatment records and remands for further action on the Veteran's claims of service connection for dermatophytosis of the nails, an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), initial increased rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, and entitlement to a TDIU.