PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and anxiety, as well as PTSD. The Veteran's claims were reopened based on the submission of new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating higher than the current 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD causes significant occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating. The appeal is granted as to his PTSD claim.

The Veteran's painful scar, residuals of second degree burns, right forearm and hand, is rated at 10 percent since February 9, 2010. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD) secondary to the scar is granted.

The case is being remanded for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder found.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with secondary depression was denied. The RO/AMC is directed to schedule a VA examination and obtain updated treatment records before readjudicating the issue.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is rated at 70 percent. Service connection for vertigo is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus. The rating for PTSD remains under review.

The Veteran's death was not due to his own willful misconduct, and he had a service-connected disability rated as totally disabling for at least one year immediately preceding his death. However, the appellant did not meet the requirements for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's TBI symptoms are fully contemplated in his separately assigned ratings for PTSD, headaches and tinnitus. The Veteran is unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his claim of entitlement to an effective date earlier than September 30, 2008 for the grant of a 30 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a Board hearing. Service connection claims for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are pending.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for cold injuries of the upper and lower extremities with polyneuropathy is dismissed. The Board finds that he has current diagnoses of osteoarthritis of his right ankle and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety disorder, and dysthymic disorder, which are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was rated at 50 percent effective from February 4, 2008. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in work and social functioning.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the Notice of Disagreement and Statement of the Case process for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and insomnia is currently rated at 70 percent from October 30, 2012. The onychomycosis claim remains unresolved as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, PTSD, and left knee arthritis. The Board denied service connection for left elbow disability and left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and completing the TDIU application. The case will be re-adjudicated after all necessary actions are taken.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an opinion regarding whether any current psychiatric disability is related to service, in part.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 50 percent since August 29, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for this period.