PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to January 4, 2011. The evidence did not show that the disability warranted a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for prostate cancer residuals and PTSD was denied. The VA found that the current disability ratings adequately reflected the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for a skin rash and left ankle disability prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not make him permanently bedridden or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Veteran does not have a single service-connected disability rated at 100 percent with separate service-connected disabilities ratable at 60 percent or better, nor is he permanently confined to his immediate premises as a result of service-connected disabilities. Therefore, the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety caused total occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 100 percent for the periods September 18, 2009 to May 25, 2011 and July 1, 2011 to September 12, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, related to fear of hostile military activity during his service in Korea, and thus meets the criteria for service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(3).

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and found new and material evidence to support it. However, the claims for psychiatric disorder, hepatitis C residuals, thoracolumbar spine disorder, headaches, neck disability, and left knee disability have been denied as there is no current diagnosis or sufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, stemming from military sexual trauma is remanded due to the need for VCAA notice and a VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.

The Veteran's right Achilles tendonitis is granted service connection, and the issue of service connection for a psychiatric disability (PTSD) is also granted. The rating for headaches remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing a supplemental opinion from an examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's depression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective February 28, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as his symptoms are related to his in-service experiences and meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,Service connection for thoracic spinal stenosis with myelopathy has been denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or etiology.

The Veteran's initial rating of 30 percent for PTSD was granted, effective April 22, 2011. The Board found that his symptoms prior to June 8, 2012, did not warrant a higher rating due to moderate impairment in occupational and social functioning. Since June 8, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches have been rated at 50 percent since May 9, 2012. The Board has granted a higher rating for the headaches on an extraschedular basis but denied entitlement to TDIU due to other non-service-connected medical problems.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been granted and is currently rated at 70 percent.,Obstructive sleep apnea was also found to be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining alternative service information and VA treatment records. A psychiatric examination is also required to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and TDIU, finding that his symptoms did not warrant higher ratings based on the criteria provided. The Veteran was found to have occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.