PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was received on December 15, 2009. The effective date of the increased rating is set at February 2, 2009.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including adjustment disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, was manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks due to symptoms such as flattened affect, depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment with nightmares, and flashbacks. The VA examiner found the Veteran's condition warranted a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of testicular trauma, a depressive disorder, and a stomach disorder were denied. The claim for PTSD was not granted.,New evidence received since the last denial does not relate to unestablished facts or raise the reasonable possibility of substantiating any of these claims.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, expressing satisfaction with the RO's decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and addressing the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest available rating of 50 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning. The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for internal hemorrhoids, keratoconus of both eyes, and sinusitis. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim is pending as the evidence does not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his eligibility for an automobile allowance or specially adapted equipment, including a VA examination to determine if he has loss of use of one or both feet or hands.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims on appeal can be decided. This includes obtaining outstanding VA and private medical records, service personnel records, SSA records, and arranging for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Adjustment Disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his in-service stressors. The back disability claim is remanded for further examination and opinion. The skin cancer claim is also remanded as additional information regarding exposure at Camp Lejeune is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral hearing disability, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (including PTSD, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and bilateral hearing loss) are found to be disabling enough to prevent him from securing or following any form of gainful employment.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his claimed in-service combat stressors, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant's attorney withdrew her appeal regarding the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with new VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a mental health examination. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.