PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the ratings and reduction questions for PTSD with bipolar disorder, TBI, migraine headaches, and mechanical lower back strain.

The Veteran's claims for headaches and TBI were denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The claim for PTSD with MDD was also denied, but only prior to December 20, 2013; from that date onwards, he received ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, arranging for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities and any acquired psychiatric disorders, and determining the nature and etiology of any diagnosed eye disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of June 10, 2008, the day following her separation from active military service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or based on housebound status has been denied as he does not require regular aid and attendance nor is he factually housebound due to his service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's respiratory disorder was not present during active military service or to a compensable degree within one year of separation, and is not etiologically related to any incident of service. The claim for respiratory disorder has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no current diagnosis. The Board also found that the Veteran's PTSD did not render him unable to engage or retain substantially gainful employment from June 1, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found that the September 2008 rating decision denying service connection for bilateral hearing loss is final, and no new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete documentation and for a determination on the waiver of overpayment issue. The service connection claims will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's current depression is caused by his active duty service and he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD due to a military sexual assault (MTS), anxiety and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's claims of an MST have been corroborated by multiple VA providers who accepted her reports as credible.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded for a new medical opinion to determine if it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has narrowed the issue to whether VA can rebut the presumption of soundness by showing that the Veteran's preexisting psychiatric disabilities were not aggravated during service. The case is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy, PTSD, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as there is no diagnosed mental health disorder during the appeal period.,Service connection for a respiratory disorder, to include COPD and pulmonary emphysema, was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or herbicide exposure.,Service connection for oropharyngeal cancer was denied as there is no objective evidence of a primary respiratory cancer.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD, effective May 1, 2014, is granted. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, as new and material evidence has been received. The case is remanded for further development regarding the validity of the reported in-service sexual assault stressor and for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began. The evidence shows that his symptoms are well-controlled with medication and therapy, allowing him to maintain employment, relationships, and hobbies.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and establishes that it is related to his in-service traumatic experiences.