PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied, and his claim for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD was granted with a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability has been granted, with the assigned rating of 20 percent.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The remand also includes an evaluation of whether his schizoaffective disorder preexisted service.

The Board found that the Veteran's dysthymic disorder with PTSD features did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation than 70 percent, as his symptoms were not indicative of total occupational and social impairment. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to October 12, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim of service connection for sleep apnea, secondary to diabetes mellitus and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective September 1, 2012. The appeal for higher ratings prior to that date has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to address whether the September 1982 rating decision, which denied service connection for PTSD and atypical anxiety disorder, should be revised or reversed on grounds of CUE.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has determined that a TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding his exposure to herbicides during service. The issue of service connection for PTSD remains unresolved.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating prior to June 17, 2011. From June 17, 2011, the impairment was sufficient for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a rating of 30 percent from September 6, 2005 to April 23, 2007 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The appeal is for an initial rating in excess of the assigned ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for new examinations to evaluate the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for VA treatment records and notification of the Veteran regarding his claims. The case will be returned to the Appeals Management Center (AMC) for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and thus service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from February 1, 2002 through March 31, 2005. The effective date for the TDIU is set at August 24, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.