PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied because his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for SMC.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether a psychiatric disorder related to service contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's death by causing heart problems that caused or contributed to death. The appellant must provide additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete record, including a need for verification of stressor events. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than schizophrenia (including PTSD and bipolar disorder) is now before the RO for further review.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death from an acute myocardial infarction.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete information and need for additional examinations. The issues include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a higher disability rating for left knee osteoarthritis, and eligibility for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle or adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete employment records from the VA Medical Center and City of Bridgeport, which could affect the rating for IBS and the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 27, 2009. However, the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted from October 15, 2010 onwards.

The Veteran's PTSD and other service-connected conditions have prevented him from securing and maintaining employment since April 2010. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain updated information about his work history, SSA records, and a VA examination for his PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and acquired psychiatric condition (including PTSD and depression) due to insufficient medical evidence. The claims will be further developed by obtaining current treatment records, scheduling VA examinations, and clarifying diagnoses.

The Veteran and his representative withdrew their appeals for the issues of service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, essential hypertension, bilateral renal cysts, prostate disability, high cholesterol, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's asbestos-related pleural disease, bilateral hearing loss disability, and PTSD are all granted. The asbestos-related pleural disease is directly related to in-service exposure to asbestos. The bilateral hearing loss disability receives a rating of 50 percent effective April 6, 2018. The PTSD receives a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted a disability rating of 70 percent, effective July 10, 2008. The other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's petition to reopen her claim for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder was granted, and she is now entitled to these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and major depression with PTSD were not service-connected, but he was granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent for his acquired psychiatric disability. A TDIU was also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his combined service-connected disabilities. The decision also notes that the Veteran likely cannot secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings for various conditions, including hypertension, varicose veins with PAD resulting from DVT, low back disability, neck disability, CAD with MI, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, deviated left nasal septum, and malocclusion of the anterior maxilla.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are related to his service in Okinawa, Japan. As such, service connection is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to new and material evidence, but has remanded the case for further development.

The Board has determined that a more recent examination is needed to evaluate the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD, as the last evaluation was over seven years ago. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the PTSD rating claim.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied. The Board found that the earliest date on which a claim could be considered was September 9, 1993.