PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder was initially rated as 30 percent disabling prior to November 16, 2015. From that date onwards, the rating was increased to 50 percent.,Effective from June 26, 2010, a 10% disability rating for lumbosacral arthritis is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, heart condition, PTSD, and TDIU due to a failure to ensure that all outstanding VA treatment records are associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, posttraumatic stress disorder, hypertension, a respiratory disorder, and erectile dysfunction have all been granted. The Veteran served in the Republic of Vietnam and is presumed to have been exposed to herbicide agents during his service. His current diagnoses are consistent with these presumptions.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for cognitive disorder, a right thumb scar, and service connection for PTSD with alcohol use disorder are pending. The Board has remanded these issues due to the need for further development and examination. Additionally, the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is also pending as there are outstanding questions regarding its etiology.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and other disabilities, do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The decision is denied as his unemployability is primarily due to a non-service connected stroke.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for anxiety disorder from November 12, 2013 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment sufficient to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD with panic attacks, dissociative identity disorder, conversion disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other specified personality disorder, is rated at 100 percent disabling from November 24, 2010 to November 2, 2016. She also receives special monthly compensation at the housebound rate during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50% disability rating prior to February 20, 2015. The symptoms of the condition were such that it caused reduced reliability and productivity in work and social settings.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance is denied because the earliest factually ascertainable date that he was entitled to SMC based on aid and attendance was September 23, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for various disability ratings have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeals by the Veteran through his representative.

The Board has remanded the cases due to procedural issues and is seeking further evidence on earlier effective dates for PTSD ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, but has remanded the issues regarding residuals of a head injury and psychiatric disability (including PTSD).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is now rated at 70 percent effective March 2, 2018.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and tinnitus due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD has been withdrawn by the appellant's representative, and thus is dismissed.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, and dismissed the Veteran's appeal.

The Board has determined that the original grant of service connection for a depressive disorder was not based on clear and unmistakable error, thus restoring the 30% disability rating effective March 1, 2015.