PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for higher initial disability ratings for PTSD and post-operative scar. As a result, the Board dismisses these issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain updated VA treatment records, service treatment records, and a VA examination to determine the etiology of his psychiatric disabilities, stroke, and left eye scar.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at a 30% level from March 4, 2009 through January 21, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms of his PTSD were more severe and warranting a 50% rating as of April 16, 2010.

The Veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral strain was reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent effective February 1, 2012. The reduction is considered improper due to lack of consideration of the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.344 and the VA examination report used did not reflect a material improvement in his condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims for a higher disability rating for PTSD prior to May 11, 2017, and TDIU for the time period prior to that date.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. However, total occupational and social impairment was not shown prior to December 1, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating. The issue of TDIU prior to November 21, 2014 is moot due to the grant of a higher rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to a terroristic event during his active duty service, and the Board has determined that this meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been withdrawn by his representative.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with new VA examinations for his bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, as there may have been a worsening of symptoms. The AOJ should also obtain all outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, right foot disability, and right ankle injury are all related to his service. The appeals for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claim is now pending a decision on whether service connection should be granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Board also finds that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability is etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various service connection claims, including those related to psychiatric disorders, hearing loss, arthritis, and dental conditions. The Board also remanded several issues for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, and his claims for back disability, unspecified skin disability, skin cancer, and hypertension are all granted on the basis of new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected Traumatic Brain Injury with PTSD results in the need for aid and attendance of another person, necessitating a higher rate of SMC. The effective date is set at March 22, 2013.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The Veteran's claim was not decided on the merits of a lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities from September 22, 2011, to March 3, 2015.