PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by mild depression and anxiety, irritability, occasional nightmares and sleep disturbances. The disability results in no worse than occasional decreases in work efficiency and generally satisfactory functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression have been rated at a total disability rating (100%) since September 23, 2013.,The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were withdrawn. The claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance was denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent and the Board has determined that a remand for further development, including an additional VA examination, is necessary.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is warranted based on her symptoms of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral eye disability, and bilateral foot disability need further development due to missing records and incomplete evaluations. The case is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, and as a result of this grant, other acquired psychiatric disorders are also considered to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and anxiety disorder, is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD with substance abuse and dependence was rated at 50 percent prior to June 1, 2011. From June 1, 2011 through September 29, 2011, the Veteran's symptoms warranted a rating of 70 percent.

The Board dismissed the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for PTSD.,Service connection for Vascular Parkinsonism, claimed as Parkinson's disease, including secondary to in-service exposure to herbicide agents, was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board finds that a rating of 70 percent is appropriate for the entire appeal period.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claim for PTSD and determined that new evidence supports a finding of service connection. The other issues were dismissed as they are not related to service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and whether he is entitled to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's appeal for a reduction in his ischemic heart disease rating from 30% to 10% was upheld. For the period beginning January 1, 2015, he is not entitled to an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's service connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities for pension purposes prior to October 25, 2017 included PTSD with major depression, knee arthralgia, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, hypertension, inguinal hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran was not found to meet the schedular criteria for a permanent and total disability rating prior to October 25, 2017. As such, he is not entitled to nonservice-connected pension benefits prior to that date.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to in-service personal assault. Service connection was also granted for hepatitis C, with a determination that it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection was reopened and granted effective from September 10, 1999. The earlier date of claim is considered the effective date as it meets the criteria for reopening a previously denied claim.