PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has granted an effective date of September 23, 1997 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU prior to November 2, 2000 is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse was rated at 50 percent prior to July 25, 2011. From July 25, 2011 to February 19, 2015, the rating increased to 70 percent. Since February 19, 2015, the Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse has not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the case can be fully adjudicated. This includes obtaining service treatment records, private medical records, and a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, must be remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to April 22, 2014 was rated at 50 percent disabling. From April 22, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide opinions regarding the relationship between his conditions and active service, including herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was granted in May 2010, with an effective date of May 24, 2010. The Board is denying the request to have the effective date earlier than August 28, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for a new VA examination regarding the severity of his PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that new and material evidence had been submitted. The Veteran's PTSD is related to his combat experiences in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary dysthymia has been rated at 50 percent since the initial grant of service connection, and there is no evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his current PTSD symptoms and their impact on his daily life.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is rated at 60 percent, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his other service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for both the psychiatric disability and ED claims, including obtaining a VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of all psychiatric disabilities and assessing whether ED is related to service-connected conditions or diabetes mellitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The case will be returned to the Board if further action is required.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially granted, but the initial rating of 30% has not been maintained. Since April 7, 2016, a higher disability rating of 70% is granted.

The Board denied service connection for an ear disorder and obstructive sleep apnea, finding no evidence of a nexus to service. The claim for levoscoliosis with degenerative changes in the lumbar spine was denied as final due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and the Veteran's complete vocational rehabilitation folder. A new VA PTSD examination is also required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Depressive Disorder are related to his military service, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.