PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and ischemic heart disease rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from May 5, 2011 until February 9, 2012. His TDIU claim is granted for this period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not received. The claim for erectile dysfunction is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms productive of functional impairment most comparable to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA social and industrial survey to assess the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was granted, with a current effective date back to the date his claim was received.

The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to June 11, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of his claims.,The Veteran seeks service connection for depression and a skin disability of the bilateral legs (presumed to be chloracne) as a result of herbicide exposure. The Board finds that further evidence is needed before these claims can be decided.,The Veteran seeks service connection for jungle rash of the bilateral feet. Further evidence is needed before this claim can be decided.,The Veteran seeks service connection for chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal disability, increased sensitivity to heat, cardiovascular disease, liver disability, and kidney disability as a result of herbicide exposure. The Board finds that further evidence is needed before these claims can be decided.,,,,,

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD and a higher rating for seizures has been granted. The effective dates are set as July 1, 2004, but no earlier, for the grant of service connection for PTSD, and the increased rating is effective from April 15, 2004.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for gout, low back disorder (other than residuals of a fractured coccyx), and residuals of a fractured coccyx are denied. The claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher disability rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70% disability rating since July 19, 2011. The claim for reopening the tinnitus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating. As the Veteran is already receiving a 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD, the appeal for TDIU is moot.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in July 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional records, including VA and private treatment records, Worker's Compensation records, and Social Security Administration disability benefits records. The claim will be re-adjudicated based on the entirety of the evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, but denied it on the merits. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to a sexual assault in service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ear hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, and thus granted service connection for these conditions. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right ear hearing loss, a right ankle disability, hemorrhoids, and a psychiatric disability remain pending.