PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has dismissed the appeals of service connection for various disabilities due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, with the Board finding that they more closely approximated the current 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for TBI cognitive impairment residuals remains unchanged, as the evidence does not show that his symptoms more closely approximate a higher disability level.

The Veteran is granted a higher rate of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including bilateral lower extremities, headaches, cervical degenerative changes, chronic back pain, chronic gastritis, PTSD, MDD, and right arm neuralgia. The SMC rating is at level (r)(1).

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD, did not manifest in service or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted, with the diagnosis being related to in-service stressors. Tinnitus was also found to have its onset during service.,Service connection is established for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been reopened, and the Board finds that his renal insufficiency is related to diabetes mellitus type II. The remaining claims are REMANDED due to the need for additional development regarding in-service stressors and psychiatric diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and TBI were granted effective May 19, 2010. The TDIU rating was also granted effective that date.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with psychotic features, claimed as PTSD, has been rated at 70 percent since the appeal period began. This rating is appropriate given his symptoms of anxiety, chronic sleep problems, auditory hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and an inability to establish effective relationships.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a potential error in the September 2009 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD. The case will be reconsidered after adjudicating whether there was clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in that decision.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is rated at 60 percent since January 25, 2013. His PTSD remains rated at 30 percent. Both conditions are determined to be service-connected on the merits.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with PTSD was productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from March 7, 2012 to March 4, 2013. The Veteran's lumbar strain with a history of herniated disc did not result in significant disability. The Veteran's cervical strain did not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was productive of mild incomplete paralysis throughout the appeal period. The Veteran's GERD has resulted in persistent symptoms but without severe impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and secure substantial gainful employment, thus the TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in October 1996. He filed a petition to reopen the claim on June 29, 2011, and his claim was granted with an effective date of January 10, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to his symptoms varying from mild transient symptoms to deficiency in most areas.,For TDIU, the Veteran meets the percentage requirements for consideration. However, he is currently unemployed and unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The TDIU issue is also being addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety was remanded due to insufficient evidence to corroborate the claimed stressor. The case is now being returned for further development.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, which he contends is related to his military service. The Board finds that additional development is necessary due to conflicting medical opinions and the need to verify in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to clarify the severity of his service-connected PTSD and its impact on his ability to work.

The Board has determined that the VA examination in May 2012 is inadequate and requires an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.