PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's DM was rated appropriately, but his PTSD warranted a higher rating from May 14, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD is primarily manifested by symptoms of depression, anxiety, nightmares, sleep difficulty, intrusive thoughts, irritability, and social isolation. These symptoms produce significant social and industrial impairment with deficiencies in most areas but do not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The appellant's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, PTSD, and pilonidal cyst are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and clarifying which claims are related to service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with mood disorder not otherwise specified and alcohol dependence warrants a 70 percent rating throughout the period of the claim, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with the DSM-IV, and thus service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, treatment records review, and consideration of new evidence. The issues include increased evaluations for stress incontinence and PTSD.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, which include PTSD, right foot Achilles tendonitis, and left foot Achilles tendonitis. The Board finds that these conditions alone render the Veteran unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection based on his combat experiences in Vietnam. The claims for erectile dysfunction and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it was incurred during his service in Vietnam.

The case is being remanded for further examination to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depressive Disorder. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered after obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was reopened and granted.,The Veteran's PTSD rating remains under review due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to work. The TDIU claim is also referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Services for extraschedular consideration.

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD and remanded the issue of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for the disability. The case is also addressed regarding TDIU.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is found to be etiologically related to his active service and granted. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to June 29, 2012 and increased to 50 percent from June 29, 2012. The Board found that the Veteran met the criteria for a 70 percent rating based on his symptoms of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence, and further development is required before a final decision can be made.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the grant of service connection, but his symptoms have worsened to a level that warrants an increased rating to 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examination results and medical records.

The Veteran is granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD from April 7, 2003 to January 16, 2011.