PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since April 17, 2006. The rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim for further development and adjudication, including obtaining a medical opinion addressing the impact of PTSD medications on employment prospects.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for a new hearing before the Board.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding that the effective date for the grant of PTSD with alcohol abuse was July 21, 2008. The issues remain pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks prior to April 3, 2015. Beginning on April 3, 2015, the disability resulted in more severe impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not equal or approximate those described by the 100 percent rating, and they do not result in total occupational and social impairment. The criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD on a schedular basis have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions are not shown to be related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records, as well as readjudication of his TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, to allow for a travel board hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, head injury, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD). The claim for migraine headaches was not addressed. The Veteran is found to have a need for aid and attendance due to his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's spine disabilities, specifically degenerative joint disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine, are rated at 20 percent prior to July 9, 2009, and 40 percent beginning from that date. The Veteran also has right lower extremity radiculopathy as a neurological manifestation of his spine disability, which is separately rated at 10 percent prior to July 9, 2009, and 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has determined that the current examination report does not provide sufficient information to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and whether his symptoms are related to his in-service stressors. Therefore, the case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as there is no evidence that he filed a claim prior to March 16, 2011. The November 1985 denial became final due to the lack of timely appeal or submission of new and material evidence within one year.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus meet the schedular requirements for TDIU due to their combined effect on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records, as well as a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a mailing error, and the SSOC should be resent to the correct address.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development due to outstanding private treatment records and VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to lack of confirmation of the claimed in-service stressor. The claims for service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD and ischemic heart disease or coronary artery disease are remanded.

The Veteran's neurodermatitis is rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board finds no evidence of service connection for any respiratory disability, prostate disability, or cognitive disability. Service connection for PTSD and a shrapnel wound to the neck are granted. No special monthly compensation or TDIU is granted.