PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 4, 2012. The rating is granted as the symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula.

The Veteran's PTSD has been evaluated as 10 percent disabling throughout the appeal period, and his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a sleep disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide another VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and denied both the cause of death claim and the 1151 claim.,VA determined there was no evidence to support claims of negligence or fault on VA's part in causing the Veteran's death.

The Board has ordered additional development due to an inadequate VA examination of the Veteran's PTSD, which did not address how his service-connected disabilities affect his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is attributable to an in-service stressor and service connection for PTSD is granted. The issue of bilateral hearing loss will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining additional medical records and verifying the Veteran's claimed stressors. The Veteran will also need to provide details about his exposure to ionizing radiation and asbestos in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including providing notice about alternative sources of evidence that may corroborate his account of an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for PTSD has been withdrawn, as he was awarded a 30 percent rating in a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, cannot be granted as there is no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in service. The self-inflicted gunshot wound sustained in October 1980 was not incurred in the line of duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus, type II due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as inpatient treatment records from the Veteran's service. The Veteran's PTSD may have worsened since his last examination, and a new examination is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD, finding that the earliest possible effective date is July 13, 2010, when VA received the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to address the claims of service connection for PTSD and psychophysiological gastrointestinal reaction.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 4, 2012. The Board found that the condition meets the criteria for a TDIU from this date.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Vet Center counseling records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is being remanded due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially granted and rated at 30 percent prior to April 20, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to April 20, 2015.