PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment during the period from July 29, 2016, to April 12, 2018.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any currently endured acquired psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, major depression, and PTSD. Additionally, a polysomnogram report for obstructive sleep apnea must be obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's June 2017 Notice of Disagreement was timely filed and is now remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case on the merits.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than December 10, 2014, for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied. The Veteran also had his initial rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity increased to 20 percent and a TDIU granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding an in-service stressor for PTSD. The Veteran must provide additional details and VA will attempt to corroborate the reported stressors with military records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is etiologically related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD requires the regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on this need.

The Veteran's disability rating for PTSD, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and alcohol abuse was reduced from 50% to 30%. The Board found that the procedural requirements were not met and restored the original 50% rating.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection of CAD, diabetes mellitus, and PTSD was received on March 26, 2012. The effective date for the increased evaluation of 60 percent for CAD from March 26, 2011 to June 12, 2013 is denied. An earlier effective date for service connection of CAD prior to March 26, 2011 and diabetes mellitus, type II prior to March 26, 2012 are also denied due to the Veteran's failure to meet eligibility criteria under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case to issue a Statement of the Case on the issue of entitlement to an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for PTSD. The Veteran's claim is not about service connection, but rather concerns the timing of when he became eligible for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability evaluation and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding her employment history and VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle disability, high blood pressure, rib fractures, lung injury, facial scar, and PTSD due to a finding of willful misconduct in causing an automobile accident while under the influence of alcohol.

The Veteran's mental disorder is granted service connection, but his asthma and sleep apnea are denied.

The appeal for a disability evaluation increase for PTSD to 50 percent, but no higher, prior to March 28, 2016 is granted. The appeal for a disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent from March 28, 2016 is dismissed.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from July 19, 2007.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and therefore service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and gunshot wound to the left calf did not render him unemployable for the period prior to March 18, 2015. From March 18, 2015 onwards, he is rated at 100% for PTSD, which renders his TDIU claim moot.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support a relationship between her current conditions and active service.