PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection were granted. The rating reduction for the thoracic spine was also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need to review VA treatment records from May 2014 to January 2016. The claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional evidence and provide the Veteran with a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating.,The Veteran's tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's asthma and PTSD are both found to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional evidence to be considered, including a November 2017 VA examination and associated treatment records. The TDIU claim is also being deferred pending resolution of the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be related to his in-service stressors, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 11, 2009. The rating is based on the symptoms of reduced reliability and productivity without showing deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is considered at least in equipoise with his in-service stressors, thus meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was granted, but the effective date remains at February 3, 2005. The claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, glaucoma, and ischemic heart disease were all denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be related to his service in Vietnam, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction was withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.,For PTSD, the Veteran is granted an initial 50 percent disability rating throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and Social Security Administration disability benefits decision. A new VA examination will be scheduled to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to January 7, 2016.,From January 7, 2016, the Veteran's PTSD warranted a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and PTSD, as well as his claim for TDIU, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, stating that he is satisfied with the recent rating/award letter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and determine if he qualifies for TDIU.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and finds that new evidence received since the last denial is sufficient to reopen the case. The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD in 2011, and his reported in-service stressor of witnessing a helicopter crash during Vietnam has been verified.