PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD, migraine headaches, cervical spine degenerative changes including disc protrusion and myositis, right carpal tunnel syndrome, erectile dysfunction, dermatitis and tinea versicolor (previously shown as pityriasis versicolor), and arthritis have been granted service connection. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for increased ratings in excess of 30 percent prior to July 25, 2010, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter, for depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 70 percent disabling, effective July 27, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation and denied the claim for an increased rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Depression were denied as there is no credible evidence of a current disability or a link to military service.

The Veteran was rendered unable to maintain substantially gainful employment from January 16, 2001, to March 8, 2004, due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for substitution and accrued benefits purposes during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 21, 2007. The Board finds that the current rating of 70 percent is appropriate given the Veteran's symptoms and impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymic disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to September 30, 2014, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to service connection for hemorrhoids and PTSD are still pending.

The Board has scheduled a hearing for the Veteran at the Houston RO, but the Veteran requested to reschedule due to living in Texas. The appeal is being remanded for scheduling a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Houston RO.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is included in the appeal due to evidence of other psychiatric diagnoses in the record.

The Veteran's appeal for residuals of a traumatic brain injury was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision. The remaining issues regarding PTSD and TDIU are being remanded for further development.

The Board has expanded the claim on appeal to include any mental disability that may reasonably be encompassed by the Veteran's description of the claim, reported symptoms, and other information in the record. The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder not otherwise specified (NOS).

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and determine the current severity of his PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS. The issue of a TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was denied as there is no evidence of a psychosis/mental illness within two years after discharge from active duty. The claim for erectile dysfunction was also denied due to lack of supporting evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened and granted. His PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is currently pending for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU. A new VA examination is needed, and the issue of whether a TDIU should be granted on an extraschedular basis must also be addressed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and assigned a current disability rating of 70 percent. The effective date for this grant is set at April 11, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran will be provided with a supplemental statement of the case if any benefit sought is not granted.