PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU prior to November 22, 2013 was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings are being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule him for new VA examinations to address the current nature and severity of his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and his service-connected thoracolumbar degenerative disc disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current depressive disorder and PTSD are related to his military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and a need for further development, including a mental disorders examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant treatment records and arranging an examination by a mental examiner to assess whether the Veteran's PTSD is linked to any of her reported stressors or if any acquired mental disorder other than PTSD is etiologically related to her active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to clarify whether he wants a Board hearing conducted by video conference or in person at the RO in Detroit, Michigan. The claims will be returned to the Board after the requested hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic adjustment disorder, depression, and/or PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since August 12, 2011. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the evidence showing that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to cause significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent schedular rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The appeal for an increased evaluation has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of SMC at the aid and attendance rate.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding whether any of the diagnosed psychiatric disabilities at any point during the appeal period were clearly and unmistakably not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent since November 24, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted. The Veteran's TDIU claim was not addressed as it is not part of the appeal for an increased disability rating.

The combined effect of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his work and educational background beginning August 2, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to outstanding medical records and incomplete stressor verification.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent disabling from August 5, 2002 to June 7, 2005. The Board denied an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD and the issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to June 8, 2005 remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social deficiencies, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD and associated depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent since February 20, 2013. His panic disorder has not resulted in any rating changes.