PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD and hearing loss have been rated at 70 percent combined, meeting the threshold for TDIU. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's request for waiver of overpayment of VA education benefits was timely filed due to circumstances beyond his control, including hospitalization and treatment for PTSD. The debt is valid as the Veteran did not withdraw from classes or receive a nonpunitive grade.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a sleep disorder, and dizziness. The new evidence presented raises reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain a VA examination and address whether it is possible to distinguish the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms from his service-connected TBI. The AOJ should also consider whether the Veteran is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records from identified facilities and ensuring all necessary information has been obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right ankle arthritis with ligament reconstruction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and a right ankle scar, rendered him unable to dress or undress himself, attend to his personal hygiene, manage his finances or medications, walk, relieve himself without assistance, and protect from hazards. The Board finds that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his stressor allegations.

The Veteran is entitled to a permanent and total service-connected disability rating based on individual unemployability since August 26, 2008. Effective January 13, 2011, the Veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a link between current symptoms and in-service stressors. Service treatment records do not indicate any complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions. The Veteran's current psychiatric condition is being treated through counseling but does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, Meniere's Disease, and an acquired psychiatric disability to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is etiologically related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Hepatitis C, and denied his claims for service connection for a back condition, cervical condition, PTSD, and major depressive disorder and/or generalized anxiety disorder. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a back condition, a cervical condition, PTSD, and major depressive disorder and/or generalized anxiety disorder are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development including obtaining records of psychiatric treatment and scheduling a mental health examination to determine if the Veteran has PTSD or other psychiatric disability, and whether it is due to an in-service disease or injury.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, which was diagnosed based on her in-service experiences. The Board has remanded the case to attempt verification of her claimed stressors and to obtain a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a shell fragment wound to the right side of the head have been reopened. The claim for service connection for vertigo, vision disorder, and TBI remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 28, 2007. The Board granted a TDIU from January 1, 2014 due to the service-connected PTSD.

The Board found no credible evidence of the claimed stressors related to sexual assault or MST, and thus denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and confirming the appellant's current mailing address.