PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to January 6, 2009 and increased to 50 percent beginning January 6, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA disability records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's combination of service-connected disabilities (PTSD and CAD) prevents him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected conditions. The issues on appeal include increased evaluations for PTSD, MDD, cervical spine DDD, and erosive reflux esophagitis; entitlement to TDIU; and service connection for constipation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability is not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD related to verified in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for PTSD, erectile dysfunction, and a sleep disability; the rating assigned to his service-connected hearing loss; and the effective dates of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The Veteran must file a VA Form 9 if he wishes to perfect an appeal as to these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), as well as his claim for a higher initial rating for hypertension. The Board found that he did not have a ratable disability for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 13, 2009. The Board granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence, as well as other legal or factual issues.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development of the Veteran's PTSD claim, including obtaining private treatment records and employment information from his former employer. The AOJ must ensure that all requested actions are completed and re-adjudicate the case to encompass the matter of entitlement to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating, effective from August 16, 2011. The rating was increased to 70 percent on January 6, 2014.

The case is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's capacity to obtain and maintain gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities. The issues of service connection for residuals of stroke and hypertension are also referred.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, prostate cancer residuals, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and other conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective January 31, 2012. The appeal seeks a higher rating and an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling since November 19, 2007. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD disability prevents him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.