PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and review of his employment background.

The Board found that the termination of SMC based on housebound status, effective June 1, 2010, was proper due to the Veteran not meeting the statutory requirements for the payment of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate beginning November 1, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since May 12, 2006. The Board granted a higher initial rating for PTSD and awarded TDIU based on the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for depression and granted her claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The evidence is sufficient to establish that she experienced in-service sexual trauma which contributed to her current diagnoses.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases, finding that his conditions did not warrant higher ratings based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression has been rated at 70 percent since March 26, 2015. Effective May 10, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent.,Effective March 26, 2015, but no earlier, the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for TBI with headaches was denied. The claim for PTSD was reopened, but service connection remains denied. The Veteran does not have any current psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been rated, but his claim for service connection of atrial fibrillation was denied. The Board found that the Veteran is not entitled to a TDIU prior to December 15, 2010 due to his other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran's PTSD claim was reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD due to new evidence. However, the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened, and he needs a VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricably intertwined nature with the PTSD rating issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD and acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran needs to provide additional corroborating evidence of her in-service stressor, such as records from rape crisis counseling during active duty service. She also needs a VA examination to confirm her diagnoses and determine if they are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to evaluate his service-connected disabilities. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disorder was previously remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, has been denied as there is no verified in-service stressor related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran was granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD with cocaine and alcohol dependence, effective September 21, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating.