PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, CVID, gastrointestinal disorder, and chronic sinusitis as they are not supported by a confirmed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, scheduling a VA examination, and reviewing his TDIU claim in light of the increased rating claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it arose from his in-service experience in Somalia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, as there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 25, 2006. The Board granted a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective May 20, 2013, and also granted TDIU effective that date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA outpatient records and a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying in-service stressors and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 50 percent from September 26, 2005 to June 13, 2010. From June 14, 2010 to June 11, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms were more severe and warrant a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective March 16, 2009. The Board has determined that the earliest possible effective date for this award is October 27, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 3, 2016. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is June 27, 2000. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Board has determined that the anxiety disorder NOS with PTSD warrants a 30 percent disability rating prior to June 22, 2012, and no higher. From June 22, 2012, the Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS with PTSD warrants a maximum of a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50 percent since January 17, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD has been denied as there is no current medical diagnosis of PTSD and the Board finds that the Veteran did not meet the DSM criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 14, 2016. For the period prior to that date, a rating in excess of 50 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain pertinent records and ensure the Veteran's claims are properly considered.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for malignant carcinoid syndrome, claimed as colon cancer, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD and depressive disorder. The evidence received since the prior final denial is not new or material.