PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The diagnosis of PTSD was based on a verified in-service stressor, and the examiner found that it is at least as likely as not related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed due to his request for withdrawal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran has established service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, as his symptoms are related to his military service.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 24, 2004 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD in March 2004 and submitted a claim on that same day.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's schizophrenia and PTSD are related to service, including considering a stressor event in boot camp. The AOJ should then review the record and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and her rating for nasal fracture residuals is increased to 10 percent effective January 24, 2011. The Board also remanded the issue of increases in the ratings assigned for the residuals of a nasal fracture due to outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder, is related to his active duty service. However, there is no evidence of a current disability for cold weather injuries or lower back problem/back pain that can be linked to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since October 1, 2014. Prior to that date, the rating was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not total occupational and social impairment. The Board has granted a disability evaluation of 70 percent for the appellant's PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including clarification of the PTSD disability rating and a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his military personnel records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the VA Regional Office to review additional evidence submitted after the most recent supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including nephropathy, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, are found to be so severe that they prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD with depressive disorder was denied. The RO granted a 70 percent rating effective June 11, 2012, and a 50 percent rating prior to that date.

The VA examiner determined that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, did not have their onset during service or due to an in-service event. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and addressing the TDIU claim. The Veteran's PTSD rating remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency prior to April 8, 2015.,Effective September 12, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has awarded a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's PTSD, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran also received a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.