PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was rated at various levels from September 25, 2001 to April 28, 2010. The appeal is denied as the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's PTSD and migraines were evaluated, but the appeals for increased ratings were denied as there was no evidence of impairment warranting higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 30, 2008, based on severe psychiatric symptoms including anxiety, irritability, and chronic sleep impairment that significantly impaired his ability to function in social and occupational settings.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for post-concussive headaches associated with TBI is denied. The claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability based on new evidence. The issues of service connection for a back and/or pelvis disability, and for a psychiatric disability (PTSD) remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine his employability due to service-connected disabilities, and the case will be returned to the Board after review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder, as there is no medical evidence linking current symptoms to an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded to schedule a new examination due to his incarceration at the Federal Correctional Institute (FCI) in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but no higher. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as the schedular requirements are not met and referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for extraschedular consideration is required.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder with anxiety, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such a condition during the pendency of his appeal. The Board notes that he had mental health complaints in service but did not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability at separation or currently.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracic scoliosis is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic acquired back disability during his second period of active duty, which was found to be due to a congenital defect. The Veteran failed to report for VA examinations scheduled to determine the nature and etiology of any current back disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol dependence and a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and PTSD are service-connected due to their in-service aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The Veteran is also granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling from March 2004 to December 27, 2012 and as 70 percent disabling thereafter. The Board denied entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and also denied the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and further consideration of his claim.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is not service-connected.,The Veteran's symptoms of pain in the bilateral arms, legs, back and neck; sinus disorder; skin disorder; and stomach disorder have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses.