PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA will obtain SSA disability records and any relevant VA treatment records from the Loma Linda and Richmond VA healthcare systems.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 10 percent since November 4, 2006. The Board finds that the current rating of 30 percent is appropriate given his symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary pain disorder, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder is currently rated at 50 percent prior to November 3, 2014, and at 70 percent thereafter. The appeal for a higher initial rating remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective February 13, 2009. The Board granted a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD and found that an earlier effective date of December 9, 2003 was warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an addendum opinion and further development due to inconsistencies in the examination findings and treatment records. The case is also remanded to obtain verification of the Veteran's reported in-service stressors involving a fellow serviceman being accidentally beheaded.

The Board has found that the Veteran does have a current diagnosis of PTSD based on his claimed in-service stressor, which is related to service. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since July 2008, with no changes in rating during the appeal period. The current rating reflects occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment prior to June 9, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further action due to the need for updated VA treatment records and an appropriate VA examination of his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, dissociative disorder, and depressive disorder, did not have their onset during service or due to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA will obtain SSA disability records and any relevant VA treatment records from the Loma Linda and Richmond VA healthcare systems.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and a VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran meets criteria for PTSD and other mental disorders. The examiner is also asked to determine if any of these conditions are proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain and PTSD, as well as the claim for increased compensation for dependents due to pending Social Security disability application.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% since December 10, 2015, with a prior rating of 30% before that date.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and found that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his active duty service. The Veteran's symptoms are considered as consistent with PTSD, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for PTSD and scoliosis have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the Veteran's failure to report to scheduled hearings and VA examinations, as well as incomplete records from a VA facility in the Philippines. The claims will be readjudicated after obtaining any missing records.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's mental health diagnoses and their relation to service. The Veteran is requested to undergo a new examination by an examiner other than those who conducted previous examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD/depression), coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension. The claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted as it is found to be directly related to in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA psychiatric examination. The claims for increased PTSD rating, TDIU, and temporary total evaluation based on hospitalization are pending.