PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 100 percent disability rating, effective March 26, 2013. The Board found the evidence to be evenly balanced as to whether his symptoms and impairment caused by PTSD more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Keratosis Pilaris are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal includes requests for increased ratings, a TDIU, and a temporary total evaluation. The Board has decided to remand these issues due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to incomplete service personnel records and the need to corroborate his alleged stressors. The Board will attempt to obtain these records and evaluate the claim based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for service-connected prostate cancer residuals and PTSD was denied. For prostate cancer, the rating prior to November 10, 2018 is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on urinary leakage or frequency. For PTSD, the rating of 50 percent is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to December 9, 2015 was granted. The effective date remains unknown as the issue is not about service connection but rather a rating adjustment.

The Veteran is granted service connection for tinnitus, as the Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to in-service noise exposure.,Service connection for blood in urine is denied because no diagnosis was made and there are no records of treatment. The claimant has never been diagnosed with this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric conditions, specifically PTSD. The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder that includes PTSD.

The Board has granted the appeal seeking to establish that the character of the appellant’s discharge from service is not a bar to VA benefits, and referred the service connection claims for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, but not meeting the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 100% disability rating, effective from the date of his claim. The Board has also determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on housebound status since April 2, 2014. However, the issue of an initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to lack of recent VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and his spouse's request to substitute in the cause of death claim. The VA is also instructed to obtain the Veteran's autopsy report, complete a VA Form 21-4142 for Dr. J.A., and request a medical opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of TBI and PTSD was denied. From April 22, 2014 to July 24, 2016 (excluding December 22, 2014 through February 28, 2015), the Veteran received a 70% disability rating for PTSD. Effective July 25, 2016, his PTSD was rated at 100%. The TBI claim was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for service connection for PTSD is dismissed. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 50 percent throughout the entire period of the claim, reflecting reduced reliability and productivity in both occupational and social settings.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to restore a 70% rating for PTSD, finding that there was sustained improvement in his symptoms and that he could maintain this improvement under ordinary conditions of life.

The Board has dismissed the claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for PTSD and CAD. The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD is denied, and his claim for service connection for a sleep disorder secondary to PTSD and CAD, as well as his claim for a TDIU based on CAD, are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's adjustment disorder and PTSD are related to his military service, including exposure in Kuwait. As such, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms of reduced reliability and productivity.