PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated as depressive disorder, not otherwise specified and has been granted a 50 percent disability rating effective April 30, 2014.,The Veteran's migraine headaches have been granted a 50 percent disability rating effective May 7, 2014.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD did not begin during or as a result of his active duty for training (ACDUTRA). Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition on an accrued benefits basis.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and TDIU due to service-connected conditions was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for diabetes mellitus, as it met the criteria for a 20 percent rating based on insulin and restricted diet.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not file a timely substantive appeal regarding his claims for service connection for depression, PTSD, and a lumbar spine disability. As such, these appeals are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective March 16, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under DC 9411. The VA examiner noted that the Veteran experiences daily symptoms of his PTSD and avoidance behaviors but does not indicate any occupational or social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in diagnoses and treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU based on service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective from the date of the decision. The rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since September 25, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and right ear hearing loss due to lack of evidence linking the disabilities to service.,Service connection was granted for left ear hearing loss as being caused by military noise exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to August 31, 2010; from August 31, 2010 to February 16, 2016, it has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent; and since February 16, 2016, it has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate examination and unobtained records. The Veteran's cardiovascular disease or disorder may be related to Agent Orange exposure, while his acquired psychiatric disorders are not clearly linked to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, diagnosed as depressive disorder NOS, is related to her military sexual trauma in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was rated at 30 percent from March 31, 2009 to March 20, 2012. The rating has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at the scheduled hearing. The case will be rescheduled for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety, and prostatitis are under review.