PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's end stage liver disease, which was a principal cause of his death, is service connected as it developed due to alcohol use disorder secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination regarding his National Guard service.

The Veteran's PTSD was not manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from August 20, 2008 to March 31, 2011. From April 1, 2011 to December 11, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD met the criteria for a 50% evaluation. Since December 12, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was denied, and his anxiety and depressive disorder NOS were granted. His diabetes mellitus rating remains at 20%.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating prior to April 12, 2012. From that point forward, the symptoms are more indicative of a 70 percent rating.

The Board found that there was no credible evidence to support the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and thus, service connection for PTSD could not be established.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by his inability to dress or undress himself, take care of hygiene needs, prepare meals, manage medications, and attend to personal needs. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus type II are not service-connected, but coronary artery disease is presumed to have been incurred during his military service.,PTSD has resulted in current disability that warrants a rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of no more than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating. The appeal regarding sleep apnea remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to missing VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered based on any new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal seeking service connection for a back disability has been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing the claim as it pertains to this issue.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms including a depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships for the initial period at issue prior to November 17, 2010.,Since January 1, 2011, his PTSD caused occupational and social impairment but not total, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking and mood.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service combat experiences and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to his Vietnam-era exposure. Service connection for hypertension and a psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are also granted as these conditions are related to the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted, as the evidence supports a finding that his symptoms are related to service.,Service connection was also granted for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, and depression. The Board found that the Veteran's in-service stressors were sufficient to cause such symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of symptoms resulting in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and found that new evidence received since the last denial supports this reopening. However, the Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD) and knee disability due to lack of a medical nexus between these conditions and her military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by at least occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, due to such symptoms as suicidal ideations. The Board finds that the Veteran's disability picture more nearly approximated the criteria for a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period.