PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST) as new and material evidence had not been presented.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but no higher, effective from the date of this decision.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,An initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted from April 30, 2012 (contingent upon the reevaluation of the rating assigned for the Veteran’s service-connected traumatic brain injury (TBI) residuals).

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a current psychiatric disorder related to his military service, including PTSD.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability is granted at a 100 percent rating, and he is granted TDIU prior to June 21, 2016. The appeal for service connection of neurobehavioral effects due to Camp Lejeune exposure is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD as the evidence is at least in equipoise with regard to showing that the Veteran has PTSD associated with his credible in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially granted service connection in December 2010 with a 30% rating. In June 2015, the RO combined PTSD with depressive disorder and assigned a 70% rating effective from February 13, 2014. The appeal is mixed as some issues were granted (PTSD) while others were denied (initial ratings for PTSD prior to February 13, 2014).

Service connection for PTSD is granted. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded as service connection has now been established.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, hepatitis C, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) need to be remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD and right knee disability have been granted service connection, but the TDIU claim was denied. The effective date for PTSD is December 27, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since August 6, 2015, with occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as flattened affect, disturbances of motivation and mood, suicidal ideation, and difficulty in establishing effective relationships. The Board finds that the Veteran’s symptoms most nearly approximate those warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's unspecified depressive disorder and PTSD are granted, with a rating of 100 percent for both conditions. The claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied, but the issue of entitlement to a TDIU rating is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder in remission is being remanded due to inadequate evaluation of his symptoms and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to service-connected disabilities is remanded as the current examination report does not address whether he requires aid and attendance or is housebound.

The Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal regarding the service connection for a back disability and PTSD. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as the evidence shows a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran has diagnosed PTSD related to his military service and thus grants service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination, as the previous opinion was based on inaccurate factual premises.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, as it is related to his World War II combat service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and shrapnel wound of the right infraorbital area have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 5, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, as well as his claim for TDIU. The appeals are being returned to the RO for additional development and consideration.