PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to address the nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating, effective from the date of his claim. The initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities remain unchanged. TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevents him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU. The Veteran also meets the requirements for DEA benefits due to his service-connected disabilities. Additionally, he is eligible for SMC at the (s) rate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder, bilateral hearing loss disability, and bilateral tinnitus. The effective dates remain June 24, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD and mood disorder with depressive and hypomanic symptoms were productive of occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decreased work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress, resulting in a 50 percent disability rating effective June 1, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and providing a clarifying opinion from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's PTSD claim has been reopened and granted, with the condition being due to an in-service stressor supported by corroborative evidence.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is denied as there is no evidence of such a condition during service or until years after service. The Veteran's borderline personality disorder was not aggravated by a superimposed service injury.,The claim for hepatitis B has been reopened and granted, with the condition being etiologically related to service.,Service connection for a neck injury, TBI, brain aneurysm, and left ear hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during service or until years after service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent since April 18, 2005. The Board found that the symptoms warranted a higher rating of 70% from April 18, 2005 until September 13, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD based on MST due to insufficient evidence of corroborating the reported assault. The decision is not considered clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 100 percent since June 28, 1985. As his only service-connected disability, the TDIU claim prior to March 24, 2004, is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and schizoaffective disorder with substance abuse, were not incurred in service. The Board found that the stressors related to his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, could not be verified due to lack of supporting evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render him unemployable, as he is capable of maintaining gainful employment in jobs that do not require extensive interaction with others.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS is rated at 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU. The Board has granted both an increased rating and a TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals seeking service connection for PTSD and initial increased ratings for an arachnoid cyst on the thoracic spine, pes planus, and a low back disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the Veteran's claim can be decided, including obtaining VA and private medical records, as well as a VA examination to assess the Veteran's competency level.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and finds that new evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and conversion disorder, is related to his military service. As such, the claim is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran has current diagnoses for PTSD, anxiety, and depression related to service. The Veteran's symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of PTSD, and her stressor event is supported by credible supporting evidence. Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Service connection for PTSD was granted, but an earlier effective date is denied.,Erectile dysfunction is not service connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing at the Hartford RO. The issues of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, osteoporosis, and PTSD are still pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all four issues related to esophageal motility disorder, larynx disorder, prostate disorder, and PTSD.