PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination with a different examiner to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for higher evaluations for PTSD and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied. The Board found that the Veteran is entitled to a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD, but not an increased rating.

The Board determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria to be recognized as a helpless child of the Veteran, and thus is not eligible for VA death pension benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The Board also granted TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are not related to his active service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to April 26, 2013. Since March 19, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 11, 2006. The Board found that the current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted from January 26, 2001. The effective date of the grant of service connection for left foot pes planus is set at October 5, 2009. A TDIU claim has been raised.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's currently diagnosed GERD, including whether it is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been found to cause total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues, including claims for service connection and evaluations for various conditions. The Board has determined that a videoconference hearing is required due to the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since November 24, 2009 and increased to 70 percent effective October 15, 2012. The hearing loss disability claim was not established.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent effective December 31, 2006. The Board also granted a TDIU from January 1, 2008.

The Board finds that the evidence of record fails to establish a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for PTSD under DSM-IV or DSM-5.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, MDD, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, and paranoid ideations, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS based on new and material evidence. The Veteran's current abdominal issues are linked to his in-service stomach problems.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are related to his service in Vietnam, including exposure to herbicide agents. The Board finds that the Veteran has a heart disability (IHD) and hypertension that may be related to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's statements regarding a plane being shot down and injuring his knee are not credible, as they contradict earlier medical records. The diagnosis of PTSD based on these inaccurate premises lacks probative value.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for her PTSD service connection and a 100% disability rating is denied. The effective date of December 9, 2010 is the earliest possible effective date for the grant of these benefits.

The Veteran's psychiatric impairment between April 11, 2010 and April 11, 2011 was total, warranting a 100% rating for acquired psychiatric disability.