PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 100 percent disabling as of September 11, 2014, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders. The Veteran's claims were based on exposure to environmental toxins during his deployment in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has found that the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by her service-connected PTSD and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for consideration of a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) due to additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since March 5, 2012. The symptoms include suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively, and impaired impulse control.

The Board has remanded the case for readjudication due to additional VA medical evidence being added to the claims file. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again, and a decision will be made based on this new information.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 16, 2009. The Board finds that his condition more nearly approximates total occupational and social impairment for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a disability rating of 70 percent. The appeal for an increased rating to 100 percent was denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for polysubstance abuse as secondary to PTSD, an increased rating for PTSD, and a TDIU prior to August 22, 2011. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development including new VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD, hypertension, headaches/migraines, and skin rash have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal of these issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred in service due to a lack of evidence showing it during or shortly after his military service. The claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability and OSA is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 8, 2010, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing. The initial evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder remains at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Depressive Disorder. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's increased disability ratings for PTSD and osteoarthritis of the right ankle were denied, while his rating for an injury to Muscle Group I was granted. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for consideration of additional evidence, including a March 2015 VA mental health evaluation report. The claim will be re-adjudicated and a new supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) will be issued.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, as a result of service. The claim for alcoholism secondary to a service-connected disability is precluded.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the irregular heartbeat claim. The Board found that service connection for bilateral pes planus, a skin disorder claimed as acne and razor burn, and bilateral wrist disability is not warranted based on lack of evidence of an increase in severity during service or aggravation by service.