PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, diabetes, and back issues, combine to make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted TDIU based on the combined impact of his disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, asthma, and left knee pain. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s knee pain.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as he can manage his daily activities independently.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30% from January 12, 2011 through February 5, 2013 and at 70% since February 6, 2013. The Board granted a higher rating of 70% for the period since February 6, 2013.

The Board has remanded three issues: evaluating the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, eczema, and PTSD. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper consideration of the Veteran's death and its potential connection to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, cardiac disability (atrial fibrillation), and PTSD have all been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a current disability in any of these areas.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been found to most closely approximate a 70% rating, but his bilateral hearing loss claim has been remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with anxious distress is considered to be at least as likely caused by his service-connected PTSD, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals, and the Board dismissed all claims due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and his bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable. The TDIU claim has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder, alcohol abuse disorder, adjustment disorder, and PTSD; obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); and erectile dysfunction (ED), as these issues are inextricably intertwined with his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The rating reduction from 50 percent to 30 percent for PTSD was not proper, and the prior rating of 50 percent is restored.,For the period prior to April 2, 2015, a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied. For the period from April 2, 2015, a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of left patella fracture was denied. The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 1, 2010 for the grant of a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's right wrist condition, PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss are all granted service connection. The issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with alcohol dependence is being remanded due to the need for a new examination as his condition may have worsened over time.