PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for gouty arthritis of the left ankle, psychiatric disability (PTSD), sleep apnea, and right hip disability. The appeals were based on new and material evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to March 27, 2009 and increased to 70 percent as of that date. The appeal is denied as the criteria for higher ratings are not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and lower back strain with DDD, as well as a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any claimed peri-vascular gastrointestinal disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection of heart disorder, back disorder, brain disorder (head injury residual), and acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and PTSD).

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied as the decision was final and binding. The Board dismissed the appeal due to lack of a proper claim in this case.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since July 10, 2012. The rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, a major depressive disorder, and an anxiety disorder, is found to be incurred in service. Service connection for hypertension due to service-connected organic heart disease with mitral regurgitation is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 10 percent prior to October 29, 2015 due to moderate symptoms including irritability, anxiety, and impaired concentration.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety, is related to his active service. The claim for PTSD has been remanded due to the lack of verified stressors.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and remanded the remaining matters (including the underlying service connection for PTSD claim) for further development. The Veteran is entitled to a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied, and his claim for an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's statements regarding in-service stressors were not credible and of minimal probative value. The Veteran has not been diagnosed with PTSD based on an independently verified in-service stressor, nor is there any competent or credible evidence linking a current psychiatric disability to service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain private therapy records and a VA psychiatrist's letter regarding a service dog request.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion and providing notice regarding service connection for PTSD based on in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar spine disability was rated as 40 percent, the bilateral pes planus as 30 percent prior to March 16, 2012, and PTSD as 70 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's service connection claims for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand, PTSD with mood disorder, and residuals of middle finger fracture of the left hand have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a compensable rating for residuals of middle finger fracture of the left hand.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 10 percent since July 20, 2010 and increased to 30 percent effective September 16, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with alcohol dependence was granted, and the award is effective October 26, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA social and industrial survey to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS with PTSD and MDD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board also found that he is entitled to a TDIU throughout the appeal period.