PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas at any point during the period on appeal, resulting in a denial of his request for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records. The issues of service connection for skin disorder, sleep apnea, and TDIU are also pending.

The Veteran's GAD, Panic Disorder and PTSD have been granted service connection with a rating of 30 percent effective from March 31, 2010. The claim was reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, and she meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted. The claim for service connection for squamous-cell carcinoma of the left tonsil, left neck, and tongue base has been reopened due to new evidence received since the last denial in July 2005. No other claims are addressed as they do not involve service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since June 13, 2006. The effective date for this rating is now clarified as June 13, 2006.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD and TBI have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and/or depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that his current condition is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before a decision can be reached on the merits of the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of the VA to properly notify him and comply with a previous Board order. The case will be returned for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no credible supporting evidence that a claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to have been incurred in service due to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, and the claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from the VAMC in Leavenworth, Kansas. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this development.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to psychiatric symptoms without deficiencies in most areas or total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have not manifested in total social and occupational impairment, thus the claim for a higher evaluation is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU effective January 21, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective June 22, 2013. This rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service, and the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to issues regarding PTSD and a skin disability of the feet. The primary issue pertains to the rating for PTSD prior to September 18, 2012.