PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher (compensable) rating due to worsening of his hearing impairment over the appeal period. For PTSD, service connection was granted based on presumed exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam. Service connection for prostate cancer was denied as there were no verified instances of herbicide exposure. The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his testimony at the Board hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a more contemporaneous examination as his last VA examination was over five years ago. The appeal will be reconsidered after the examination.

The Veteran's service connection for TBI and PTSD has been granted, with effective dates set. The Veteran is currently rated at 100 percent for his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD contributed substantially and materially to his death, which is considered a service-connected disability. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were at least as likely as not incurred in service due to military sexual trauma. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD, hepatitis C, and tinea pedis were all granted service connection. The Veteran was awarded a rating of 30 percent for PTSD, 20 percent for hepatitis C, and no compensation for the bilateral feet condition.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus, type II, is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate a physical deformity of the penis necessary for a compensable rating under DC 7522.,Service connection has been established for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was linked to his in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering all evidence. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and information about the Veteran's employment since 2012. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Board granted an increased initial rating for migraine headaches to 30 percent effective October 24, 2013. The Board also granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of April 11, 2007.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, PTSD with depression and anxiety, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for left wrist disability is pending as it requires further examination.

The Board finds that there is not a sufficient basis to support a conclusion that the March 2009 rating decision denying entitlement to service connection for PTSD did not become final. The claim to reopen a previously finally disallowed claim following that March 2009 denial was received on July 23, 2013. Therefore, that is the appropriate effective date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, has been rated at 70 percent since October 15, 2015. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the severity of her service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and grants TDIU with an effective date of January 28, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to warrant a 50 percent disability rating, but no higher. The Board also noted that the issue of TDIU should be remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 30 percent rating since January 16, 2001. Service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder has been granted. The Veteran does not have service connection for sleep apnea or a bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment for the period prior to December 17, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have manifested in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. The right shoulder disability issue is pending further development.