PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for right-ear hearing loss and right-ear otitis media. The appeal regarding PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 10 percent prior to August 20, 2013 and at 30 percent beginning on that date. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disorder is granted with a rating of 30 percent, effective August 31, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling since December 27, 2012. He was also granted a TDIU effective from December 27, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a mental health examination by a licensed examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to in-service sexual trauma, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total social and occupational impairment since April 2001, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities were found to have their onset during active service, and he is currently assigned a non-compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The psychiatric disability claim was broadened to include PTSD, adjustment disorder with anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms that more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's tinnitus is associated with his service-connected bilateral hearing loss. Prior to July 9, 2014, the PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating; since then, it does.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected. The TBI claim is withdrawn due to overlapping symptoms with the PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant records and to provide the necessary medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding in-service stressors and for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is due to his military service and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 24, 2013. Prior to that date, the rating was increased from 50 percent.

The Veteran's death was caused by cancer of the face, head, and neck. The Board finds that remand is necessary to determine if his service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to cause this condition.