PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to May 14, 2015. From May 14, 2015, the rating has been increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has found that this rating adequately reflects his current level of impairment. The Veteran also meets criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining medical records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, most notably PTSD, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not by total occupational and social impairment. There is no evidence of exceptional factors such as frequent hospitalization and marked interference with employment to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms are related to his service-connected OCD, and he does not meet the criteria for separate diagnoses of anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and depression, are not related to service. Huntington's disease is considered a congenital condition with no evidence of aggravation during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right ankle strain, and tension headaches, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since September 1, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent prior to June 15, 2009, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death from hypertensive cardiovascular disease is related to his service-connected PTSD, which was incurred during combat. As such, the appeal for DIC benefits based on service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if there were compelling circumstances for the appellant's prolonged absence without official leave (AWOL) and to consider whether he had an honorable or other than honorable period of service. The claims will be reconsidered based on new evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD was granted, and the issue of a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left ankle disability is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current PTSD was incurred during her military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 4, 2008.,The Board granted a TDIU rating based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to outstanding treatment records and the need for a new examination of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective from November 2011, and the Board grants a higher rating of 100 percent effective since February 10, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 2012, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating. The Veteran is also found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and need for an updated VA examination.