PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for increased special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected PTSD alone precludes him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal regarding an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU is being remanded due to procedural issues. The Board has not issued a statement of the case on the issue of an increased rating for PTSD, which must be done before further appellate consideration can occur.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in deficiencies in most areas, including school, family, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board finds that the Veteran’s PTSD should be rated as 70 percent disabling for all periods on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates related to his PTSD are being remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess current symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to issues related to his need for aid and attendance of another person as a result of service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury. The specific conditions include PTSD, CAD, tinnitus, and hearing loss in both ears.

The Board has denied service connection for Multiple Sclerosis and remanded the cases of PTSD and Left Knee Strain, status post meniscectomy due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective as of the date of decision. The Board also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD and a skin condition of the nose and back, as new evidence was received that relates to these conditions. The Veteran's other claims have been decided.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a gastrointestinal disorder, and a right elbow disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD due to military sexual trauma is granted as there is a current diagnosis and the in-service stressor related to an assault is considered verified.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his disability. His TDIU claim is also being remanded due to incomplete records from his Compensated Work Therapy program.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted an initial rating of 100 percent, effective from July 16, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to May 27, 2016 and increased to 70 percent effective September 11, 2018. The claim for a higher rating is denied before that date but granted from May 27, 2016.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and a personality disorder have all been denied.,Service connection was not granted as the preponderance of evidence does not support diagnoses of PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The examiner found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for such disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as his mental and physical limitations limit his occupational opportunities but are not shown to be such as to preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and unspecified trauma and stress related disorder, is granted. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to March 8, 2019. The Board has remanded the case for further development and rating consideration.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left shoulder and wrist conditions, maxillary sinus fracture with hypersensitivity, and PTSD. The remand requests additional medical opinions on nerve damage from a maxillary sinus fracture and progression of shoulder disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision. TDIU is granted beginning December 30, 2013.