PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's gastric ulcers are currently rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD is rated at 30 percent. Both conditions have been denied for increased ratings.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and unspecified adjustment disorder), and coronary artery disease is granted. The Board found that the evidence was at least in equipoise regarding these claims, resolving all doubts in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's CAD and anxiety disorder with PTSD symptoms have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, resulting in a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's need for aid and attendance was determined to be due to a nonservice-connected neurocognitive disorder, not his service-connected PTSD with depression. Therefore, SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was received on October 31, 2013. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set at this date as it is the earliest date that a claim can be considered.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major depressive disorder, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board denied a rating in excess of this and also denied entitlement to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have increased since his last VA examination, and he has retired early due to PTSD. The Board finds that a TDIU claim should be addressed as well.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including MDD and PTSD. The case is being returned due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for obesity as it is not a disease or injury for which service connection may be established. The case was remanded for further action on the psychiatric disability claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of her right foot disability due to incomplete records, including a lack of VA mental health treatment records after November 2013. The Veteran is also required to provide information about any private healthcare providers who have treated her psychiatric disorder and right foot disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as depressive disorder with PTSD and MST, is rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, and his breathing problems are not. The other conditions have been denied due to lack of in-service stressors or no current disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, hypertension, COPD, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction) precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment during the period from January 12, 2007 through July 22, 2009. As a result, he was granted a TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance due to her back brace is denied as there is no evidence that the brace causes actual wear and tear to her clothing.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety/depressive disorders, are deemed to have been incurred in service due to his active duty as a fire controlman during Operation Enduring Freedom. The Board has ordered remand for further examination and opinion regarding the onset of these conditions.

The Board has determined that more information is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of his psychiatric disabilities, sickle cell trait, back disability, hip disability, knee disability, loss of use of bilateral lower extremities, TDIU, and DEA.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, as there is no current diagnosis of such a condition.

The Veteran is found to be unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected PTSD, depression NOS, and alcohol dependence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss due to outstanding records from SSA, VA medical records, and additional examinations.