PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his previously denied claim. The Board also determined that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorder, and concluded that the Veteran did not have a disease or injury in service that caused an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that an increased rating beyond this level is not warranted due to the lack of occupational and social impairment that would warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine if his PTSD and related conditions are service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, had its onset during service. The residuals of shrapnel wound with tendon damage of the left ankle are manifested by marked limitation of motion, warranting a 20% rating. The damage to the internal saphenous nerve of the left lower extremity is manifested by severe to complete paralysis, warranting a 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the case back to the AOJ for further development due to issues raised by the Court and concerns about the adequacy of previous examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD was denied, and the effective date for TDIU was also denied. The Board finds that further development is needed to comply with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded. The case is also remanded to consider whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. No action is required by the Veteran until further notice.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and for TDIU were denied. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated depression is rated at the highest possible disability rating of 100 percent, effective November 25, 2009. The ratings for weakness of the right lower extremity and upper extremity due to CVA are both 10 percent, while weakness of the right side of face is rated as 10 percent. SMC based on need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was initially rated at 30 percent prior to December 8, 2005.,A TDIU claim for the period prior to February 24, 2014 is moot due to the grant of a 100 percent rating for PTSD effective from that date.

The claim for PTSD has been denied as there is no verified stressor event in service. The claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including depression and bipolar disorder, was reopened but remains denied due to lack of evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been granted, but the claim for an increased rating is denied. The Veteran is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 22, 2005. The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a higher rating due to its severity and impact on his daily life.

The Veteran's low back disability is not service-connected, but his PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating from April 8, 2005 to April 1, 2016 based on his service-connected PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.,A separate issue of entitlement to a TDIU rating from April 1, 2016 is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% since December 23, 2015 and his coronary artery disease with hypertensive heart disease is rated at 60%. The Board has granted these ratings based on the severity of symptoms and their impact on daily life.