PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination. The claims for fibromyalgia, bilateral shin splints, and increased rating for PTSD are also pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, Social Security Administration records, and private medical records. Additionally, new VA examinations are required for the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no rating decision or issues were addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with alcohol abuse has been granted, and he is currently rated at 50 percent disabling. The rating remains effective from May 6, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of the decision. Service connection for hypertension was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been shown to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues of entitlement to an increased initial rating for PTSD with depressive symptoms in excess of 50 percent from September 7, 2010, through December 2, 2014, and in excess of 70 percent as of December 3, 2014, have been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical opinions regarding his PTSD and foot disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder NOS, is related to his combat service in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, did not meet the DSM criteria for a diagnosis and was less likely than not caused by his military service. The peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities also did not manifest within one year of herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to address issues related to service connection, including a VA examination and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is currently 70 percent effective from May 17, 2010 and 50 percent effective from December 15, 2000 to May 17, 2010. The case is being remanded for further development including employment history clarification and a psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood, was caused or aggravated by his service-connected leukemia.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 3, 2012. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating and denied his claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to July 7, 2014 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. After July 7, 2014, the Veteran experienced total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of PTSD and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for a schedular TDIU, but his unemployability is granted due to the combined effect of these conditions since August 20, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a new claim of service connection for dementia secondary to PTSD, depressive reaction with psychosomatic features including tension headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. The original issue remains about special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or being permanently housebound.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized by avoidance, irritability, intermittent suicidal ideation, and some occupational and social impairment, is currently rated at 50 percent under the general rating formula for mental disorders. The right knee disability has been rated based on limitation of motion and semilunar cartilage injury. The pes planus has been rated as 30 percent prior to September 6, 2011, and 50 percent thereafter. GERD is currently rated at 10 percent.