PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board granted an increased rating to 70 percent and TDIU for PTSD, but denied the earlier effective date of August 18, 2003.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are not related to service, including exposure to Agent Orange. The examiner opined that there is no link between his current headaches and any in-service headache complaints.,The Board found insufficient evidence to establish a diagnosis of PTSD or other psychiatric disorders due to an in-service stressor. The VA examiners did not find sufficient evidence linking the Veteran's diagnosed alcohol use disorder with service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional information from the Veteran regarding his in-service stressors and providing a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a rating of 30 percent.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, residuals of a stroke, and hypertension. The remaining issues have been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from February 3, 2006 to March 26, 2008, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety Disorder; an eye disorder (including as a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317); arthritis; a neck disorder other than arthritis; headaches; and a right knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange during service, and therefore his diagnosed residuals of prostate cancer are presumed to be related to such exposure. Service connection for PTSD is granted based on a finding of in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and he is granted a TDIU effective September 5, 2007.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, PTSD features and opioid dependence have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective August 18, 2009. The Board granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diverticulitis and temporary total evaluations due to hospital treatment in excess of 21 days or need for convalescence following a colectomy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran's diverticulitis arose during service or was related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his service and involve fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether he meets the criteria for PTSD, thus service connection is granted.

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

The Board has found the Veteran's testimony concerning his combat stressors to be credible and consistent with his duties in Vietnam, and service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder, pain disorder and insomnia has been denied. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for residuals of cold injury is currently pending.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, anxiety attacks and depression were denied. The claim for hearing loss was granted with a noncompensable rating. No new evidence was received to reopen the PTSD claim within one year of its denial in October 2005.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional notice and evidence, as well as a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether his current PTSD is related to his military service and he was exposed to a traumatic event during service.