PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent from October 25, 1999 to March 21, 2000. During this period, the Veteran also became unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of each currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's service in Vietnam and reported symptoms during service will be considered.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating based on his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and development of the record.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as sleep disturbances, nightmares, exaggerated startle reflex, anxiety, depression, and avoidance of crowds. However, he maintains a good relationship with his family, works regularly, attends church, maintains hygiene, does not have any legal issues or suicidal/homicidal ideation, and lives independently after the death of his wife. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if his current mental health conditions are related to service and whether any pre-existing conditions were aggravated by service.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and the VA examiner found no evidence of any mental disorder, including PTSD. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression was denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination. The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being considered, as well as his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal regarding high blood pressure. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and GERD have been reopened, but the effective date claim remains on appeal as the Veteran did not provide a valid reason for withdrawing it. Service connection for bilateral glaucoma is granted with an effective date of March 30, 2009.

The Board determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is unrelated to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) has also been found not related to service.

The Veteran's appeals are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeals for hypertension, right knee disability, and PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board has determined that it warrants a rating of at least 70 percent due to his symptoms including suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, mood swings, startling easily, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

The Veteran's current diagnosed PTSD, depressive disorder (NOS) / major depressive disorder, and hearing loss are all found to be related to his military service. Tinnitus is not considered a compensable disability.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to January 30, 2009 and at 70 percent from that date until April 27, 2012. The effective dates for these ratings are provided.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent since May 13, 2008. The Board has granted a higher rating of 50 percent effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially granted with a 30 percent rating effective May 9, 2008. The VA determined that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating prior to September 13, 2012 and from April 1, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease. The Veteran's other claims are remanded for further development.