PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for insomnia is denied as it is already considered in the rating assigned for his service-connected PTSD. The claims for increased ratings and new disability ratings are also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD due to MST with depression and anxiety attacks. The Veteran's claims for peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, back condition with sciatica, and non-service connected pension are dismissed as she withdrew these issues from appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the criteria provided in the Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 25, 2012, for the grant of PTSD was denied as he did not appeal the denial of his initial claim in November 1976 and no new and material evidence was submitted within a year.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is at least as likely as not causally related to her active duty service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% since July 12, 2012. Prior to this date, the rating was 30%. The Board finds that a higher rating of 70% is not warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent disability rating. Service connection for the skin disorder (claimed as urticaria) has not been established. TDIU benefits prior to January 15, 2013 are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a BVA hearing at his local VA office. The issues of increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD disability. The current rating remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development of his PTSD claim and a new VA examination. Additionally, there is a procedural defect with respect to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for right knee injury.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder have not been shown to present a disability picture that warrants an increased rating beyond 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute substantially to his death due to coronary pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD. The case is remanded for further development, including verification of a stressor event in service and an examination by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the disability rating for PTSD and service connection for hypertension. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review these issues as they are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and VA treatment records. He will also be scheduled for examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD; a colon disorder; or hypertension. The evidence does not support these claims.