PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD disability necessitates the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a favorable decision on his claim for special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Veteran's service connection claims for back disability, eye disability, cervical spine disability and right ankle disability were denied. The claim for headaches was granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. His gastritis is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety, is attributable to active service. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD with anxiety, which is related to his in-service stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a TDIU rating prior to September 12, 2012 due to his service-connected PTSD and encephalopathy. The preponderance of evidence showed that he was not unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment during this period.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disability and PTSD, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for bilateral ankle disability. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence linking the current disabilities to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 2010. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent, and grants TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and assigned a noncompensable rating. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is deferred due to the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy is presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a right hand condition and flashbacks (claimed as PTSD) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, significantly impact his ability to function in an occupational setting. The Board finds that he is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The Board found that he demonstrated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as marital problems, intrusive memories, irritability, difficulty sleeping, suicidal ideations, and hallucinations. Diverticulitis was not service-connected, and there is no evidence supporting a skin disability or prostate condition related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression are related to his service in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been withdrawn. The remaining issue, regarding an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and a major depressive disorder, is related to his service in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service military sexual trauma and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the initial decision. The Board found that his symptoms have more nearly approximated a 70 percent rating, warranting an increase in disability compensation.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was denied in March 2005, but new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection as his diagnosis is a depressive disorder rather than PTSD.,Service connection for coronary artery disease is granted based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board has decided that a remand is needed due to the need for another VA examination to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a contemporaneous VA examination for PTSD. The issues of increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.