PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating. The evidence does not support an increase to higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance, nor does he meet the criteria for housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and disability ratings has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by his authorized representative in January 2019.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% since June 6, 2016. The Board has granted a 50% evaluation for PTSD prior to that date and denied an increased rating in excess of 50%. TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to PTSD is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria. The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected PTSD, currently rated at 30%, and entitlement for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are both remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, as they allow for reasonable accommodation in a solitary work environment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, began during active service or is related to an incident of service. The examiner must also provide opinions on whether there is a current diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-5 criteria.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to incomplete information regarding stressor events. The Veteran's conditions are being evaluated based on direct service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other specified anxiety disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-5 and insufficient evidence linking his current psychiatric condition to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and schizoaffective disorder, had their onset in service or are related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete development of his Gulf War exposure history. The claims are being returned for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has remanded them for further development. The issues include service connection for psychiatric disorders (MDD, PTSD, and anxiety), a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. A higher rating for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and PTSD, as well as his claim for TDIU, were all denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and increased evaluation for anxiety disorder and cognitive disorder. Additional VA examinations are needed, and the AOJ should secure any outstanding records.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were rated as noncompensable prior to July 24, 2014. From that date onwards, a rating of 50 percent was granted.,PTSD was initially rated at 70 percent from the effective date of October 23, 2013.,Right shoulder degenerative joint disease received an initial 20 percent rating based on painful motion.,Sleep apnea and tinnitus were both denied for increased ratings as they are already at their maximum schedular ratings.,Loss of cervical lordosis was granted service connection effective October 23, 2013.,TDIU is pending due to the Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities.,The appeal for TBI and recurrent lumbar strain remains unresolved (remanded).,No specific exposure basis or presumption was mentioned in this decision.

The DIC benefits claim is denied as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for receiving these benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318. The cause of death claim is remanded due to incomplete medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression to include insomnia was reopened, and the claim was granted.,Service connection for PTSD and depression with insomnia was also granted. Additionally, eligibility for VA treatment under 38 U.S.C. 1702 was established due to a mental illness developed within two years of separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied as no new and material evidence had been submitted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is granted, with the condition being related to military service.,Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for a low back disability is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for a right shoulder disability is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for a skin disability is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for liver disease is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's migraines are related to her service-connected PTSD, and the Board grants service connection for migraines.