PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no legal basis to establish an earlier effective date than August 13, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of November 2, 2005.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability that had been rated totally disabling for at least eight years prior to his death. Therefore, the Appellant is not entitled to an increased rate of DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1311(a)(2).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to provide him with a psychiatric examination by a clinician specializing in mental health conditions, as well as an updated dermatology examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD and increased rating for recurrent dermatitis will be addressed.

The Veteran's current depression is attributable to his service-connected PTSD, and the Board has granted secondary service connection for depression.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disorder, psychiatric disorders, and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and further development of his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation since April 1, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder was productive of no more than occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to June 25, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease (CAD) is secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, the claim for service connection for CAD as secondary to PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus has been granted. The claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and cardiac disorder have all been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to locate private treatment records and obtain additional VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by sleep impairment, nightmares, anxiety, and depression during the one year period prior to May 20, 2008. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been productive of deficiencies in most areas, including work and social functioning. The Board has determined that the criteria for a higher rating are met.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development to verify a reported in-service stressor related to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 16, 2010 for a TDIU rating is denied as the evidence does not show that his PTSD symptoms rendered him unemployable prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is incurred in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.