PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50% disability rating prior to March 23, 2017. On and after that date, the Veteran is entitled to an initial disability rating of 50%. A higher rating of 70% or above is not warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional records and a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran has PTSD related to his service.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected conditions, as well as hypertension. The effective dates for service connection will be determined based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression was denied as his depression is a symptom of his service-connected PTSD and mood disorder.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral tinnitus was denied as the maximum schedular rating has been assigned.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder warrant a higher initial rating, but the claim is remanded to obtain updated findings from a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board is remanding them due to additional evidence that needs to be reviewed by the AOJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran developed PTSD as a result of active service and that this condition caused or contributed to his death by suicide. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, depression) due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder and depressed mood is rated at 70 percent, effective June 8, 2010. The rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy remains at 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, tinnitus, PTSD, and left knee disability. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as panic attacks, impaired memory and abstract thinking, severe disturbances of motivation and mood. The Board finds that a rating of 50 percent, but no more, meets the criteria for his condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to July 2012, which is the maximum rating available under the criteria for PTSD. The Board found that his symptoms warranted this rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and PTSD, as well as TDIU prior to October 21, 2010, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for hearing loss or a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to October 21, 2010.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and right ear hearing loss. The appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% effective May 5, 2009. The decision also granted a TDIU effective the same date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 12, 2010. The Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD and also granted a TDIU effective July 7, 2013.