PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating for a service-connected disability. The current ratings do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and is therefore dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining SSA records related to his psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent initially and is now granted a 50 percent evaluation, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse resulted in occupational and social deficiencies, warranting a 70 percent disability rating since June 12, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claims for increased ratings for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU were not supported by the evidence of record. The claim to reopen a previously denied left ankle disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition and for additional development of medical records.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain verification of his in-service stressor involving pulling bodies out of the water and to provide him with a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of left knee meniscus tear status post surgical repair are service-connected. The arthritis claim is also granted as it is related to his pre-existing condition aggravated by service. Other claims remain pending.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent since February 13, 2014, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 7, 2005 and a TDIU is granted from that date.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 12, 2004 for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been dismissed as it is precluded by a final Board decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for PTSD and for service connection for various undiagnosed illness-related conditions. The issues of new and material evidence were also addressed, but no new or additional evidence was provided to reopen the low back disorder claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD. The Board finds that the most probative evidence weighs against a current PTSD diagnosis and concludes that the Veteran does not have this disability. His TDIU claim, however, is granted based on his service-connected bipolar disorder with psychotic features.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is now granted for PTSD.,Tinnitus, a symptom associated with the Veteran's service-connected hearing loss, has also been granted as secondary to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in permanent and total disability that is due to the loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities so as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. The Board grants entitlement to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during service, and the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder or heart condition. The claim for neuropathy is denied as well.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorders and a personality disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include schizophrenia, need further development due to incomplete evidence and the need for VCAA notice on her personal assault claim.