PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection and an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted. The effective date for the award of PTSD is denied as it is moot since the claim was received after separation from service.

The Veteran's PTSD and Persistent Depressive Disorder have been granted an increased rating to 70 percent effective March 4, 2019.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no effective date or rating adjustments are granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for the VA to obtain his most recent medical treatment records from July 2017 to the present and all records from the Harford County Outstation of the Elkton Vet Center.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% prior to April 18, 2017. From April 18, 2017 to October 23, 2017, the rating for PTSD was increased to 50%. The Veteran is satisfied with this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the submission of new evidence not previously considered by the RO.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective May 13, 2013. The Board also granted a TDIU due to service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of pes planus, tinnitus, tension headaches, or an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depression. The TBI claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition and obtain any outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is rated at 70 percent. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression), tinnitus, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, benign prostate hyperplasia, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU. The remand also includes a request for VA examination to determine if the Veteran has diagnoses of diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower limbs.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is denied as the evidence does not show a current disability or relate to service.,PTSD was not diagnosed during service, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptoms. The Veteran's tinnitus is also not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is able to perform daily functions with assistance when needed. The Board denied entitlement to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance and denied entitlement to automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's PTSD, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus have resulted in a 70 percent rating since November 25, 2014. The Board has granted effective dates of November 25, 2014 for the Veteran's TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance eligibility.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD claims due to the need for updated VA examinations, as well as the need to obtain Social Security Administration records. The bipolar disorder claim will be addressed in conjunction with the PTSD claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to his death. The appeal is remanded for substitution purposes.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD because the claimed stressors were not verified, and there was no credible supporting evidence of the events.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a right leg amputation and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, result in loss of one lower extremity and associated functional impairment that precludes locomotion without assistive devices. The Board finds eligibility for specially adapted housing.