PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria for an extraschedular rating or TDIU due to his employment history and symptomatology.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for PTSD with MDD was denied, and his TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, and his PTSD prior to June 16, 2016, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and the need for updated VA treatment records, as well as a new medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed PTSD.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and PTSD have been granted service connection, with the hearing loss being attributed to noise exposure during his combat service. The Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for aid and attendance allowance for J.R. was dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant. The Board granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance, finding that the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable, as his difficulties were due to business financial issues rather than his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The gastrointestinal disability was not found to be related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's alcohol abuse is secondary to her service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and hearing loss prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding a verified in-service stressor and for further examination of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity for the period prior to July 15, 2010. For the period from July 15, 2010, to April 24, 2012, her disability did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, finding it at least as likely as not related to his in-service experiences. The decision is based on credible evidence and a diagnosis from a private psychologist.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen his service connection claims for various conditions has been dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded for additional development due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was caused by service. The examiner will review Ms. Glogau's diagnosis and decide whether it meets the criteria for PTSD based on fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other conditions do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, as his mental health issues are manageable in a solitary work environment.

The Board has granted a 70 percent initial rating for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (primarily PTSD and bipolar disorder) effective October 26, 2016. The decision also grants TDIU for the period between October 1, 2011, and October 25, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, shrapnel wounds, and hearing loss are found to be so disabling that they prevent him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment. The TDIU is granted as of August 27, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating prior to June 15, 2016.