PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating. The TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD and has also granted him service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and PTSD. The decision is based on new evidence provided since the previous denial in 2007.

The Veteran requested to withdraw her appeal for a higher disability rating of 70 percent or more for PTSD, dysthymic disorder, and depressive disorder not otherwise specified. As a result, the Board dismissed her appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a mental health examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and PTSD, that can be related to his period of active duty military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the evidence, including a medical expert opinion and additional arguments submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 27, 2012. Prior to that date, the disability picture associated with his PTSD most closely approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants staged ratings of 50 percent (but no higher) prior to February 13, 2009, 70 percent (but no higher) from February 13, 2009 through June 17, 2013, and 70 percent (but no higher) throughout since September 22, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with alcohol abuse is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion addressing the severity of his alcohol abuse as a symptom of his service-connected PTSD since 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate previous medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus could have aggravated his sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated based on its current manifestations, with a 30 percent rating prior to September 3, 2009 and a 50 percent rating from that date forward. The Board found the evidence did not support an initial rating in excess of these levels.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD from August 3, 2000 to March 12, 2007 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and a retrospective medical opinion.

The Veteran's nasal deformity, diagnosed as deviated nasal septum, had its onset in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The other issues are pending further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran currently has a psychiatric disorder, whether any diagnosed conditions are related to service or other factors, and whether any current diagnoses were made in error. The appeal is being remanded due to the need for further medical opinions.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of PTSD linked to in-service stressors, and thus denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities and determine their etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent effective June 24, 2008. The Board granted an effective date of January 12, 2007 for the award of a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues regarding an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU. The Board finds that further development is necessary, including a neuropsychological examination to determine the relationship between the Veteran's cognitive disorder and his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and PTSD, claiming these conditions are secondary to a right knee disability. The Board is dismissing the appeal as there is no longer an issue to decide.