PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The appellant's representative has withdrawn the appeal regarding all issues listed on the cover page of this decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the initial rating for service-connected PTSD, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and anxious distress has been withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for rhinitis and PTSD, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his diagnosed psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder and cognitive disorder (frontotemporal dementia).

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left ear hearing loss disability for VA purposes or a cardiac disability, including coronary artery disease. Therefore, service connection is denied for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a medical opinion on the etiology of his nasal conditions and PTSD. The issue of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder requires issuance of a Statement of Case.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent prior to April 7, 2016 and 70 percent from that date forward. The Veteran has not been found unemployable due to her PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a chronic acquired psychiatric disability, hypertension or hypertensive heart disease, or bilateral knee disability during service. The Board found that the current disabilities are not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with mild depression. The claim for hypertension was reopened, but not granted. The claim for dermatitis/seborrheic dermatitis remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied due to his failure to report for VA examinations scheduled in July 2016 without good cause.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 26, 1977 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with secondary schizoaffective disorder. The Veteran's claim was pending since his original claim in October 1977.

The Veteran's initial claim for PTSD was granted in November 2010 with a 30 percent rating effective September 15, 2005. The December 2016 Board decision increased the evaluation to 50 percent from August 9, 2013. The Court vacated the denial of higher ratings prior to that date and remanded for readjudication.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of her bilateral foot disorder was denied. Her PTSD claim has been reopened, but the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran has PTSD as a result of events during service and fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.