PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran does not qualify for SMC in excess of the (n) rate due to lack of service-connected disabilities involving either upper extremity, lower extremities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, or loss of sphincter control. He is permanently bedridden and helpless as per his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further adjudication due to missing records and a need to comply with the Court's decision. The Veteran testified that he filed a claim for service connection in or about 1972, but his claims file was not merged with his father's file, which may contain relevant documents.

The Board has granted service connection for a laceration of the left third finger over the distal aspect of the proximal phalanx on the radial side, finding that it is related to the Veteran's military service. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) and left ear hearing loss are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance and at the housebound rate is denied as her need for aid and attendance is due to nonservice-connected disabilities, not service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a skin condition due to exposure to herbicides are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to active service and the Board grants the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied in a November 2009 rating decision. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim, thus denying it. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is remanded due to outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, visual impairment (blindness), and sleep apnea have been denied. The fungal infection of skin and bilateral flatfeet with arthritis are established but not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of aid and attendance, warranting SMC at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and service connection for a low back condition was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a 100% rating for PTSD, as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant such a high rating.

The Veteran's PTSD renders him in need of the aid and attendance of another person, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss (also claimed as pain in left ear) was reopened, and his PTSD resulted in a disability rating of 70 percent. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. This includes obtaining relevant medical records, verifying stressors, and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's gynecological disorder, including uterine fibroids and dysfunctional uterine bleeding, is found to have been incurred during active service.,New evidence has been submitted that supports reopening the claims for right and left knee disabilities. The Board will now consider these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C, hypertension, and a low back disorder. Service connection was denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder, left upper arm/shoulder disorder, and dental disorder (for VA outpatient treatment purposes). The appeal is pending on the issue of service connection for TBI.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his current symptomatology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for blepharitis, an acquired psychiatric condition other than PTSD, and chronic respiratory disorder (claimed as fibrosis of the lungs). The claim for service connection for PTSD was remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD with psychotic features.