PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of records and an examination.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD, effective from February 27, 2008. The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by social and occupational impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and an opinion from a vocational expert regarding his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest possible level (100%) throughout the appeal period, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The issue of SMC for need for regular A&A was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected major depression (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder) was denied. The Veteran is currently rated 70 percent disabled, but the Board found that he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of symptoms warranting such a rating.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted based on his service-connected major depression and other disabilities. He is now entitled to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% effective September 18, 2012.,The Veteran's asbestosis with COPD and chronic bronchitis is rated at 100% effective May 28, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new psychiatric examination to determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder, such as PTSD, that is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 12, 2010, due to symptoms including intrusive thoughts, panic attacks more than once a week, nightmares, unprovoked irritability, difficulty with his thinking and judgment, impairment of short- and long-term memory, and the inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and a left knee disability has been granted. The Veteran's current left knee disability had its onset in service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent from January 26, 2005 to June 24, 2009.

The Veteran was granted service connection for schizophrenia and PTSD effective September 4, 2002. His TDIU claim is also in effect as of this date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is found to be incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent under the schedular criteria, but not higher, throughout the period of the claim. The criteria for a TDIU due to PTSD have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating since the beginning of August 27, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to April 2, 2014 and the appeal for an increased rating has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disability was not incurred in active duty service and is therefore denied.