PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in January 2010, and the Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen this claim. The effective date of service connection for tinnitus is granted as August 1, 2013, but no earlier. Service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, COPD, and PAD are all granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux is denied.,The Veteran's petition to reopen his TBI claim and request for a higher rating are both denied.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted with a compensable rating of 10 percent.,The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, PTSD, and TDIU claims.

The claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with anxiety attacks prior to June 19, 2015 is dismissed. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea due to a service-connected disability is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for restoration of a 70% rating for service-connected major depression disorder to include posttraumatic stress disorder (psychiatric disability) from March 5, 2010 is granted. Other claims are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from October 24, 2008, to April 15, 2014. A rating of 50 percent is granted for this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran’s claim for service connection, as his back disability is not related to his military service. For PTSD, the Board noted that the Veteran did not have any mental health issues or treatment records, leading to a denial of an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, pharyngitis with cervical lymphadenopathy, and ankylostomiasis do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to his non-service-connected physical disabilities. The Board denied entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, due to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they primarily include occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder are currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied a higher rating. The Veteran also seeks TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, which were granted.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound was denied as he is not blind, bedridden, or unable to care for most of his daily personal needs without assistance.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the December 2011 VA administrative decision, finding that the character of discharge was not CUE.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorders, respiratory disorder manifested by difficulty breathing, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), heart disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and posttraumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder NOS. The decision also remanded several issues for further review.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is considered to be a result of military sexual trauma (MST) during service. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his active duty service in Vietnam, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, cold injury residuals, acromioclavicular joint arthritis of the left shoulder and right shoulder, erectile dysfunction (ED), and skin condition have all been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the cause of death and its relation to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to December 17, 2018, resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. A higher rating was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for a formal hearing.