PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS was initially rated at 50 percent prior to April 1, 2011. Beginning on April 1, 2011, the rating for his PTSD was increased to 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to failure to obtain treatment records from the Vet Center in Charlotte, North Carolina and other pertinent medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of TBI, scarring of the head, left ear hearing loss, PTSD, right knee disability, migraine headaches, and skin disability. The Veteran did not have a scar on his head at any time during the appeal period. His migraines were rated as 10 percent disabling based on characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating effective from October 13, 2005 on an extraschedular basis due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 50 percent prior to September 21, 2009. The Board has now granted a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depressive disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA outpatient treatment records. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Board has granted effective dates of December 22, 2000 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and August 5, 2002 for both the assignment of a 70 percent rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Rating Mental Disorders. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they were consistent with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board found no evidence of a current PTSD diagnosis and determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders are not related to his service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) due to new and material evidence received since the last final denial. Service connection is granted as the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is found to be etiologically related to his in-service head trauma.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing the Veteran with a more current VA examination to assess his PTSD, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The TDIU claim will also be deferred until further notice.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's rating for residuals of prostate cancer was proper. The issues of service connection for PTSD and increased ratings for prostate cancer and adjustment disorder are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision below and are REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for PTSD and granted service connection, finding that there is credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor related to exposure to riots during his military service in South Korea.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military experiences as a combat medic in Vietnam. Service connection for a right foot injury is also granted based on new evidence received since the final denial of the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA and Vet Center records, as well as scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the severity of his PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also before the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by disturbances of motivation and mood, flashbacks with any sudden loud noises, difficulty in crowds, irritability and anger outbursts, hypervigilance, obsessive rituals, and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances. The Board found that the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and inactive pulmonary tuberculosis are granted with a total disability rating due to the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis and PTSD have been granted service connection, with a 50% initial rating for PTSD.