PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (anxiety), and Major Depressive Disorder due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed due to his death.

A higher 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted retroactively effective from March 2013.,Total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) also is granted from March 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is dismissed as the requested 70 percent rating has been granted.,Prior to September 20, 2010, the Veteran’s Meniere’s syndrome was rated at 30 percent. From that date forward, it is rated at 100 percent.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are now rated at 30 percent prior to March 23, 2019 and 50 percent thereafter.,SMC at the housebound rate has been granted from September 20, 2010. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened. The Board also remanded the claims for increased evaluations of diabetes mellitus type II, with bilateral diabetic retinopathy; neuropathy, left and right lower extremities; and GERD. Additionally, a TDIU issue is inextricably intertwined with these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to the lack of credible supporting evidence for his claimed in-service stressors. The Veteran's diabetes and PTSD symptoms were not found to necessitate regular aid and attendance.,Special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance/housebound status was also denied as there is no evidence that the Veteran required such assistance.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent throughout the appeal period.,Service connection for a back disability, including as due to service-connected bilateral hallux valgus and bilateral knee disabilities, is denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran’s current back disability and her service-connected bilateral hallux valgus or knee disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is found to be related to his military service and granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating from 50% to 30% was proposed, but the appeal is dismissed as it has not been finalized in a formal decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left forearm disability, and right knee disability, prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU claim based on resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a compensable rating for PFB. The decision found no current diagnosis of PTSD or an in-service stressor, leading to denial of that claim. For PFB, the evidence showed less than 5% body coverage affected by the condition without requiring systemic therapy.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was rated at 70 percent from November 18, 2014 to September 8, 2018. This rating is granted.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective January 1, 2018. The Board found that the Veteran had not been unemployable prior to this date due to her service-connected PTSD and other factors.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there is no valid diagnosis of PTSD during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder was denied due to lack of corroborating evidence for the claimed in-service stressor. The Board has ordered a remand to verify the Veteran’s reports concerning the death of his neighbor on base housing at Fort Sill Army Base.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating. The Veteran also has additional disabilities rated at 60% (diabetes mellitus type II, left leg diabetic neuropathy, right leg diabetic neuropathy, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss) which meet the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD are being remanded for further examination to determine the nature of his psychiatric disability, specifically whether he has a diagnosis of PTSD related to fear of hostile military action or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of hypertension was granted. His PTSD is currently rated at 50%, and the Board found that he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU prior to August 21, 2014.