PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with his dementia, necessitates regular aid and attendance. The Board granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcohol use disorder has been rated at 70 percent since March 26, 2012. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to a mischaracterization of his service-connected disabilities and the need for updated information. A VA examination is required to reassess his PTSD and anxiety disorder.

The Board partially vacates its decision, denying a higher rating for PTSD for the periods from August 1, 2007 to June 23, 2010 and from August 13, 2010 to April 9, 2013. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a 100% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's tinnitus is etiologically related to his in-service hazardous noise exposure. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from caring for some of his daily personal needs and rendered him unable to protect himself from the hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board finds that an effective date of October 14, 2011 is warranted for the grant of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD prior to May 16, 2013 is being remanded due to the failure to provide proper notification regarding increased ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and insomnia due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted attorney fees based on past due benefits resulting from the grant of service connection for PTSD in a December 2012 rating decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a higher rating, and the TDIU issue requires a Statement of the Case as it was not addressed in the RO decision.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be related to service or his deviated septum, and he needs a VA examination to determine this. The issue of whether PTSD aggravates his sleep apnea is also pending.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder, with depression and anxiety, has been found to warrant a 70 percent evaluation since August 7, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his complete VA treatment records and verifying his in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted TDIU based on the combined effects of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, is related to his service. Service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea are also granted as they are considered direct service-connected based on their relationship to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has caused total social and occupational impairment throughout the pendency of the appeal, since November 1, 2011. The Board granted a rating of 100 percent for PTSD.

The Board denied reopening of claims for PTSD and residuals of head injury as no new and material evidence was received to support the claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial evaluation of his various conditions, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, COPD, hypertension, prostate disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, and anxiety disorder NOS.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent evaluation, effective from February 4, 2013. The Veteran also received an initial grant for TDIU prior to February 4, 2014, and denial of TDIU beginning August 14, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right ankle disability, left ear hearing loss, and psychiatric disability (including PTSD) due to the need for further medical examination.