PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for a higher rating for PTSD and earlier effective dates for the award of TDIU and basic eligibility for DEA benefits before the Board could make a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's current long-range goal is still reasonably feasible and did not meet the criteria for a change in her Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP).

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of all applicable laws and regulations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and cervical spine disability, as well as his claims to reopen service connection for diarrhea (claimed as gastrointestinal problems and irritable bowel syndrome) and fibromyalgia. The rating decisions also found that the Veteran did not timely file a substantive appeal regarding a claim for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new VA psychiatric examination. The current rating of 30 percent for PTSD remains in effect.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service records and confirming stressor events. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities will be evaluated to determine if they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining mental health treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and unspecified mild neurocognitive disorder have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran has current diagnoses of these conditions and established a nexus to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, PTSD, and depression, is related to his active military service. The claim for acid reflux will be remanded as additional development is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent from May 1, 2011 to September 6, 2011. The appeal for higher ratings prior to that date and for diabetes mellitus type II has been denied.

The Board has granted an effective date of December 17, 1981 for the grant of service connection for major depressive disorder. The Veteran's claim was pending and reopened due to new evidence submitted within a year of his discharge from service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and determine if he is entitled to a higher rating for PTSD or TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but no higher, due to symptoms consistent with occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, as well as psoriasis. The Veteran's claims were not adjudicated on the basis of a specific exposure basis or presumption.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 70 percent disability rating since December 19, 2015. The rating is based on symptoms of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD with anxiety and depression, has been rated at 50 percent since the initial grant of service connection. The claim for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a miscommunication of addresses and other procedural issues. The Veteran's claim for TDIU remains pending.