PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic kidney disease, PTSD, major depressive disorder, diabetes mellitus, bilateral cataracts, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension, likely preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to TDIU for the entire period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received by VA within one year of a previous rating decision, and the claim is now considered an original claim. The Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to his service-connected PTSD or its associated medication use.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD with MDD and GAD with panic attacks prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's bilateral leg and right foot disorders are not established, but he is granted service connection for PTSD.,PTSD has been established as causally related to in-service stressors.

The Veteran is granted an initial disability rating of 40 percent for his service-connected low back disability, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% disability rating effective August 26, 2010. He is also service connected for right ear hearing loss but not for left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD with cognitive disorder was manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work and family relations; with impairment of judgement, memory, and attention span; with difficulty concentrating, interacting with people, and in adapting to stressful circumstances; and by anxiety, flashbacks, isolation, and startled response. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to February 19, 2013 or 70 percent from that date. The Board found his symptoms did not reach the level of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD related to military sexual trauma, chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA examinations and a need for additional development of medical records, including from Swedish Hospital. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being evaluated further.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to metastatic lung cancer, which is service-connected. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.,The Appellant is not entitled to an effective date prior to June 24, 2015, for the award of special monthly compensation based on her need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependency has been manifested by occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The Board found that the disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was received on May 30, 1984. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set at this date.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to new evidence received after a previous decision, and because of the potential service connection between hypertension and PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the lowest available rating for this condition. The symptoms have not been found to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected prostate cancer residuals, including erectile dysfunction and urinary frequency, are found to be related to his current depressive disorder. His PTSD is also found to be related to his combat service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD disability, along with his bipolar disorder and alcohol/cannabis use disorders, has been rated at 100% effective August 1, 2016. The Board also granted TDIU beginning June 28, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and inguinal hernia render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has vacated the May 2017 decision denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's claim is granted as his MDD began during active duty.