PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to August 15, 2014. The effective date for service connection remains unresolved.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted effective May 29, 2009, as he was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and a TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not warrant a higher rating based on his symptoms, which were characterized as moderate impairment.

The Board has determined that a remand is required to ensure the Veteran's claims for service connection are evaluated using the correct diagnostic criteria and to obtain any necessary medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to not warrant a higher initial rating prior to June 4, 2012 and on or after that date. The current disability rating of 70 percent is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent after February 27, 2008. The Board found that the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board is remanding the case due to inadequate VCAA notice and requests for additional evidence, including private medical records and VA medical records.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and VA treatment records. The issues of increased PTSD rating and TDIU are part and parcel.

The Veteran's lichen planus is found to be service-connected due to exposure at Camp Lejeune.,Service connection for right knee disability, eye disability, and back disability remains pending as the issue was not fully developed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 30 percent prior to October 13, 2009; 50 percent from October 13, 2009 to December 28, 2011; and 70 percent from December 29, 2011 to March 10, 2014. The Veteran's migraine headaches have been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete evidence, including a lack of SSA records and VA examination. The claims will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, is currently rated at 30 percent since January 21, 2015. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened and remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his fear of hostile military activity during service, and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for malignant melanoma is granted based on the presumption of service connection due to its manifestation within one year of separation from active duty. The PTSD appeal results in a grant of an initial 30 percent rating prior to March 21, 2014.

The Board is remanding the claims of service connection for ED, a left wrist condition, a left ankle condition, right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and a psychiatric condition (including posttraumatic stress disorder and depression) due to their interrelated nature. The claim of service connection for hypertension is also being remanded as it may be related to the Veteran's service.

The Veteran does not have a permanent total service-connected disability, and therefore does not meet the criteria for Dependents' Educational Assistance under Chapter 35 of Title 38 U.S.C.A.