PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's right ankle disability and PTSD have been granted initial evaluations, with the right ankle rated at 10 percent from March 2, 2007, to February 3, 2015, and PTSD rated at 30 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, MDD, and personality disorder. However, further development is needed as the Veteran's claims are remanded due to outstanding treatment records and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and review of his employment status.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain service treatment records and VA medical records, including those related to the Veteran's claimed conditions. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining Vet Center and VAMC treatment records, as well as evidence related to his employment status and disciplinary actions at work.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be causally related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD with substance abuse (alcohol).

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating for PTSD has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD requires the assistance of another person in meeting his daily needs, as well as to protect himself from the hazards and dangers of his daily environment. The Board has found that the criteria for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance have been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any psychiatric disability found, as well as whether sleep apnea is related to service or aggravated by any diagnosed psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's death was caused by ischemic heart disease, which is presumed to have been incurred in service. His other service-connected disabilities contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the percentage requirements for TDIU prior to March 13, 2015. The Board found that his service-connected conditions were not of such severity as to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment in keeping with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 100% effective May 29, 2002. The Board denied an earlier effective date.

The Veteran was rendered unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities for the period on appeal prior to January 9, 2007. The Board found that he had one disability rated at 60 percent (hypertension) and a combined rating of 80 percent, effective from September 15, 2005.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The issue of service connection for hepatitis C is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, that had onset in service or is related to his active military service.

The Board has ordered a remand to consider the Veteran's claim for higher SMC rates due to additional development being required, including another VA examination and notification of evidence needed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, and the criteria for entitlement to TDIU have not been met.