PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and finds that his depressive disorder is less likely than not related to service. As such, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression symptoms have been evaluated as approximating occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and determine if he is entitled to service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and schizophrenia.

The Veteran's lumbar myalgia is rated at 20 percent since January 27, 2014. Service connection for rhinitis and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder) are granted. The muscle ache disability claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination for PTSD and an addendum report from the VA audiologist who provided the July 2015 report. The claims file must also be updated to include any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 1, 2010. The Board found that the Veteran met the criteria for a higher rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion from the August 2015 examiner.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and dementia, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and that dementia was not related to active service.

The Veteran's back disorder is not service-connected, but his PTSD and bilateral flat feet combined are sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU effective July 30, 2009.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to determine his current level of psychiatric disability and whether he has any additional psychiatric disabilities related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims to the AOJ for further development due to his request for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and the need for a new examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being reviewed.

The Veteran's PTSD does not result in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor and a current diagnosis. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for hiatal hernia will be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial evaluation for PTSD in excess of 50 percent, prior to August 26, 2015, and in excess of 70 percent after that date; and a TDIU, prior to August 26, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding records and issues related to service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a videoconference hearing at the St. Louis RO as requested.

The Veteran's PTSD, depression, and anxiety are found to be related to an in-service rape, which has been corroborated. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in symptoms such as suicidal ideation, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and inability to establish effective relationships, resulting in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent prior to June 14, 2013. From that date forward, the rating remains at 70 percent. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU.