PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board has determined that this level of disability warrants a grant of TDIU from December 30, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of PTSD and migraine headaches, as well as his claim for TDIU, has been granted. The Veteran is now in receipt of the appropriate ratings and benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new evidence that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, skin disorder, right hip replacement, and left hip vascular necrosis have all been previously denied. The new evidence received since the last final denial does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating any of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated medical records and conduct a new VA examination due to the possibility of material changes in his condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for PTSD and gastritis are denied, as there is no evidence of a claim prior to November 23, 2009. The Veteran's jaw disorder claim remains pending.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for vertigo and granted it. The claims of service connection for a back disability, otitis media, and total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew them at his hearing. Posttraumatic stress disorder with dysthymia is found to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression NOS, and anxiety disorder NOS, are found to be related to his military service. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in unemployability, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need for aid and attendance of another person or on account of being housebound is REMANDED. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining necessary medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including increased ratings for various knee conditions, arthritis, and Bell's palsy. Additionally, the Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hammer toe, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, left ankle arthritis, lumbar spine disorder, asthma, and hepatitis C. The appeal is being remanded to allow for a new hearing before a different Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the impact of his PTSD on his ability to work.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder results in occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder, with PTSD and generalized anxiety features, is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine the date of a knife assault that resulted in non-judicial punishment, which may affect the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be manifested by symptoms that resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent initial rating prior to February 6, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since November 18, 2014. The Board granted a TDIU effective January 5, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, secondary to PTSD, is granted. The issue of TDIU prior to April 24, 2013, is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent effective November 18, 2014. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating as his symptoms have worsened since the last examination.