PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression and PTSD, were not caused or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence is against her claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to January 12, 2012, and a higher rating in excess of 50 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder was rated at 50 percent disabling from March 24, 2009, to December 6, 2010; 50 percent disabling from February 1, 2011, to October 21, 2013; and 50 percent disabling since December 1, 2013. The Veteran's symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD, but his first three stressors occurred during service. The VA examiner concluded he does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and denied service connection for this condition. However, the Veteran was granted service connection for depression and an acquired psychiatric disorder (which includes depressive disorder NOS).

The VA has determined that the Veteran's PTSD does not warrant a rating higher than 50 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating. The current 50 percent rating is based on reduced reliability and productivity due to PTSD.

The Board has ordered the case back to the AOJ for further development and consideration of a secondary service connection theory based on the VA examiner's opinion linking the Veteran's depressive disorder to his service-connected diabetes and other disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA respiratory examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 21, 2013. The Board found that the evidence demonstrated total occupational and social impairment due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100% since July 2, 2007. As a result of this rating, the claim for TDIU is moot.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder warrants a staged rating of 50 percent prior to April 16, 2009 and 70 percent from that date. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional VA and private treatment records, as well as an addendum medical opinion. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, PTSD, and hepatitis C have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for these conditions based on his medical records and examination findings.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, including an examination to determine if his stressors are related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including psychiatric disorders and musculoskeletal conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his PTSD treatment records and a new psychiatric examination to determine the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to her military service, including any in-service sexual assault or harassment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a rating of 70 percent effective April 2, 2015. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis remains at a 50 percent rating since September 25, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on exposure to chemicals and/or environmental hazards in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.