PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse resulted in occupational and social deficiencies, warranting a 70 percent rating. The Veteran also meets the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal involves increased ratings for PTSD and right knee degenerative changes. The Board is remanding the case to obtain additional medical records, particularly from a private provider who has treated his PTSD, and any ongoing VA treatment records related to his knees.

The Board is remanding the case for further development regarding three remaining stressors and to obtain VA mental health treatment records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these steps.

The Veteran's PTSD warranted an initial rating of 50 percent effective December 10, 2007, and a 70 percent rating was granted effective June 1, 2013. The Veteran also met the criteria for TDIU prior to August 12, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 18, 2008. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under DC 9411. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for cause of death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability due to service and no verifiable in-service stressors. The diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder was not established based on credible supporting evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records, scheduling a PTSD examination, and readjudicating the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and service personnel file.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and reopening of previously denied claims were denied. The Board found that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen his claim for service connection for a deviated nasal septum.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective August 17, 2010. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's PTSD contributed substantially to his death, and the Board grants service connection for the cause of his death. The DIC benefits claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been rated as 50 percent disabling since August 31, 2010. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating and the TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, primarily due to symptoms such as chronic sleep impairment, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and suspiciousness. The Board finds that these symptoms align with the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical nexus opinions and the need for additional treatment records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The reopened claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 22, 2004, for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Board finds that there was no intent on the part of the Veteran to seek VA benefits prior to March 22, 2004.