PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded several issues including reopening a claim for hepatitis C, service connection for hepatitis A and B, an increased rating for PTSD, and special monthly compensation for the aid and attendance of the Veteran's spouse.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted in a May 2015 rating decision, and the appeal to reopen this claim is dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder claim, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records of inpatient treatment and an updated VA examination to address the relationship between his current diagnoses and service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board found that his disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 30 percent since August 18, 2010. The current rating adequately reflects the severity and frequency of his psychiatric impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30%, then increased to 50% from April 6, 2010 to May 14, 2014, and finally to 70% effective May 15, 2014. The appeal is mixed as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms warranted a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a validly diagnosed psychiatric disorder, and therefore denied his claim for service connection for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal request by the appellant's representative.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to reschedule a previously scheduled Board hearing. The case will be returned to the RO for scheduling a new hearing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and TBI were denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not total occupational and social impairment. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since January 8, 1998. The Board denied an increased rating and did not grant an earlier effective date for the TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete examination reports and other procedural issues.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disability aggravated his acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim will be reconsidered based on all evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not result in total occupational or social impairment, and his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board denied the claim for an increased rating for PTSD and denied the TDIU claim.

PTSD was rated at 10 percent prior to May 9, 2014 and increased to 30 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.