PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran is seeking an increased initial disability rating for PTSD. The claim is currently remanded to obtain VA treatment records and private treatment records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder. However, it denied her claims for service connection for bulimia/anorexia, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, fibrocystic breast disease, right lower leg nerve damage, sinusitis, and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and evaluation of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with alcohol dependence, lumbosacral sprain, cervical sprain with degenerative changes, and neuropathic symptoms of the right lower extremity. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's depressive disorder and PTSD with alcohol abuse have been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for service connection of posttraumatic stress disorder and increased ratings, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected condition. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the assignment of separate disability ratings for arthritis of the right and left feet was dismissed due to a finding of clear and unmistakable error. The RO reduced the two separate 10 percent ratings to one single 10 percent rating for bilateral foot arthritis, effective from November 1, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his claims file.

The Board found no credible in-service stressors and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for coronary artery disease and PTSD have been denied. The effective date of service connection remains July 21, 2000.

The Veteran's PTSD caused mild impairment in occupational and social functioning prior to October 1, 2007. The Board found that a 10 percent rating was warranted for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are service-connected due to exposure to military sexual trauma in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for issuance of an SOC on his claims for an effective date earlier than September 8, 2011 for the award of service connection for PTSD and entitlement to a higher initial rating for PTSD. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to scheduling issues and the need for an SOC on the issue of additional VA disability compensation based on the dependency of C.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran engaged in combat and his reported stressors are consistent with his service. The diagnosis of PTSD is supported by medical evidence.

The Board found that the character of the Veteran's service from April 5, 1971 to August 6, 1973 is not a bar to VA benefits due to compelling circumstances. The Veteran was granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiner found no evidence of a link between the current psychiatric symptoms and military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms of severity, frequency, and duration most nearly approximating the 70 percent rating criteria. The Veteran is therefore granted a 70 percent initial rating for his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder, with both conditions being related to military sexual trauma experienced during his service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headache disorder and psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder, were not incurred or aggravated during her active service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.