PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left shoulder arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment throughout the period on appeal. The Board granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder, SMC based on Aid and Attendance, and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete development. The case will be returned to the Board once these issues have been addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to March 11, 2015 and denied for a higher rating. For the period from March 11, 2015 and thereafter, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent and also denied for a higher rating. The Veteran is granted TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for residuals of a fractured left arm and PTSD have been denied. The VA found that the current ratings adequately reflect his symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the May 2017 VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran meets the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and its relationship to active duty service. The examiner is also asked to determine if any other diagnosed psychiatric disorder (such as anxiety and depression) is related to exposure to contaminated drinking water while stationed at Camp Lejene.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and an increased rating for PTSD. The Board found that there was no evidence of a link between the Veteran's current skin disorders and his in-service condition, and concluded that his PTSD symptoms did not warrant a higher than 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and headaches were rated, with the PTSD receiving a 30% rating prior to October 17, 2017, and a 70% rating thereafter. Headaches received a non-compensable rating until February 20, 2014, when they were upgraded to a 30% rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied, and his claim for a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a higher rating for TBI are remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety and depression.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder with major depression was denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder with major depression was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder) due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder, anxiety, and PTSD are related to his service, including harassment he experienced during active duty. The VA psychiatrist provided a more probative opinion linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active service and are related to a qualifying chronic disability. Other gastrointestinal issues will be addressed in the remand section.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include depressive disorder and PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of his mental health conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, chronic residuals of cold injury, hearing loss, tinnitus, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his claimed conditions were not shown to be related to active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 14, 2016. The effective date for this rating is October 14, 2016.