PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since May 13, 2008. The Board also granted TDIU prior to October 2, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if there were any periods of active duty service for training or military purposes that occurred between December 1982 and June 1998, as these could affect the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated VA and private treatment records, as well as a new psychiatric evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol and nicotine dependence is rated at 70 percent prior to May 10, 2018, and at 100 percent from May 10, 2018. The rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of TBI or PTSD that can be linked to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being permanently housebound is denied. The Board found that while the Veteran requires assistance due to his service-connected PTSD, he does not require regular aid and attendance solely because of this condition. Additionally, there is no indication that he is permanently housebound due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision.,His lumbar DJD and DDD are currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeals regarding throat cancer, shell fragment wound residual, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus prior to November 6, 2012 are denied.,The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to TDIU are remanded.

The Board has granted an effective date of December 15, 2003 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The issues of entitlement to a higher initial disability rating and TDIU prior to February 1, 2014 are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder were denied due to lack of current diagnoses. The Board has ordered a remanded with instructions to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination using DSM-V criteria, verify his claimed stressors, and determine if he meets the criteria for PTSD or other psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and the lack of recent medical records from the Idaho State Department of Correction.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports a link between his in-service trauma and current symptoms.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of whether his May 2012 Notice of Disagreement was timely filed.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and PTSD are all granted as service-connected.,Left foot tendonitis, right foot tendonitis, neck disability, low back disability, bilateral pes planus, left heel calcaneal spur, right heel calcaneal spur, and hemorrhoids remain pending for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50% rating for PTSD is denied as the increase in symptomatology was not factually ascertainable within one year prior to her February 19, 2013 claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the appeal began, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a left hand disorder, right upper extremity disorder, and sleep disorder are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD are related to his in-service stressors, including being fired on by the enemy while serving in Vietnam. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.