PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic anxious distress features is etiologically related to his service-connected tinnitus. The Board has granted service connection for this condition as secondary to the service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to in-service military sexual trauma (MST), and service connection for PTSD due to MST is granted.

The Veteran's applications to reopen claims for sleep apnea and left knee disability were denied, as the new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims. The application to increase the rating of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was also denied, with the Board finding that the symptoms did not warrant a 100% rating due to the absence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, with two disabilities rated at least 40 percent. His service-connected disabilities prevent him from following or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and eligibility for treatment under 38 U.S.C. § 1702 for a psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened due to new and material evidence submitted since the last final denial.,Service connection for major depressive disorder with anxious distress is granted as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee chondromalacia.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's TBI residuals were rated at 70% from October 23, 2008 to January 24, 2013. The rating was denied after that period and the separate PTSD rating remains in place.

The Board has denied service connection for TBI due to a lack of evidence of current disability or residuals thereof.,Service connection is remanded for respiratory disability, including sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD because he did not file a timely appeal or submit new and material evidence within one year after the February 2012 rating decision. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders including depression, GAD, and PTSD as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's in-service sexual assault.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Bipolar Disorder, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service personal assaults are sufficient to meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, has been rated at 30 percent since August 26, 2013. The evidence does not support a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The Board finds that the level of disability contemplated in DC 9411 does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD evaluation, bilateral hearing loss service connection, and upper/lower extremity radiculopathy service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his service-connected psychiatric conditions, and because a decision on the PTSD rating could impact the TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood/major depression. The decision also requires a review of whether her in-service sexual assault is considered a personal assault that occurred during her active service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and CVA have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to make a determination on these issues. The Veteran also has pending claims for increased evaluations of his prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction, as well as service connection for residuals of a stroke.

The Veteran's right ankle brace caused wear and tear to his clothing, leading to a grant of a clothing allowance for the year 2014. The other issues on appeal are not addressed in this decision.