PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to address certain evidence. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is now before the AOJ for further development.

The Board found no evidence to support service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee disability, or stress fractures of the legs. The Veteran's claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on all issues currently before the Board.

The Veteran was granted service connection for vertigo as a residual of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) incurred in-service, and for an acquired psychiatric condition to include PTSD. Service connection was denied for hemorrhoids.,The Veteran's vertigo is linked to his in-service TBI, while his PTSD is related to combat stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a 100 percent rating. The appeal for an increased rating is granted for the period prior to September 6, 2016, with no change in his current rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The reduction of his rating for the right toe condition from 10% to noncompensable was not proper.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA treatment records from after August 2010. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is pending.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The case has been remanded to address whether there was clear and unmistakable error in a February 1979 rating decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss is related to his active service, but further examination is needed to determine if it originated during service or within one year post-service. For PTSD, a VA examination is required to assess whether any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is etiologically related to the Veteran's active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability, and for completion of the Veteran's VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to August 5, 2016 and 70 percent thereafter. The rating of 50 percent was granted as the symptoms met the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD and tinea versicolor, chest, back, and crotch are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing appropriate notice regarding stressor verification.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the claimed stressor and obtain relevant SSA records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was rated at 70 percent from January 8, 2013 and granted effective as of that date. The claim for a TDIU is also granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for establishment of his son as a 'helpless child' on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support, effective January 25, 2006. The issues of service connection for PTSD and erectile dysfunction, and entitlement to TDIU are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for hepatitis C. The Veteran's current myositis and hepatitis C may be associated with his Vietnam service, triggering VA's duty to provide an examination as to their etiology.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% disability rating from January 11, 2008 to July 28, 2010.