PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial and subsequent ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Vet Center records and considering whether an additional medical opinion is required regarding the Veteran's employability in light of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's representative withdrew from appeal the claims for increased disability ratings for PTSD, right arm impingement syndrome, and epididymitis prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. His alcohol dependence is considered separately from his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DMII with erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, IHD, and scars. The Board has jurisdiction to consider entitlement to a TDIU in this instance.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent effective February 12, 2007. The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent remains pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his other psychiatric conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal for all issues.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating for PTSD has been withdrawn by the Veteran and his representative.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, verifying any claimed stressors, scheduling a VA psychiatric examination, and determining whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to his request for a hearing, and the case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board finds that the Veteran's disability picture more nearly approximates a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS, and major depressive disorder with a history of PTSD are rated at 70 percent disabling. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU due to her service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA audiological examination. The issues on appeal include service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an increased evaluation for PTSD, and the effective date of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The Board found no basis to grant higher ratings or effective dates based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for a dog bite, left ankle condition, head injury, PTSD, and schizophrenia, paranoid type.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board hearing. The issues include service connection claims for various disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide a VA examination for his PTSD claim. The remaining claims will be dismissed as withdrawn.