PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating since March 15, 2011. The Board granted the TDIU claim and remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension to obtain an IHP.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination to assess the current nature and severity of his TBI and any associated psychiatric disorders. The AOJ should also obtain all outstanding VA treatment records since January 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The claim for increased rating for PTSD was granted, but the initial noncompensable rating remains in effect.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development of his service connection and TDIU claims, including obtaining records from in-patient treatment during active duty, VA treatment records, and verification of stressor events. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for private treatment providers to release their records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted for the entire appeal period. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a nervous condition, now claimed as mental condition/nervousness to include depression, anxiety and sleeping problems. The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are addressed in this decision.

The appellant's father passed away in March 2013, and she filed a claim for accrued benefits. The RO denied the claim as no money was owed at the time of his death. The case is now remanded to determine whether the appellant can be substituted as the claimant or if she should pursue an accrued benefits claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms of sleep impairment, nightmares, anxiety, depression, suspiciousness, disturbances in motivation and mood, and other related issues. The Veteran has maintained social relationships and continues to engage in activities such as golfing and raising money for sick children.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD, with the Board finding that his current diagnosis is related to stressors consistent with his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 10, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they only resulted in reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disorder, and his adjustment disorder is not related to service. The post-submersive condition claim is also denied as there is no evidence linking any current vision problems to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not combine to render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment, as his combined rating is only 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 10, 2011. The evaluation is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for PTSD, brachial plexopathy, peroneal neuropathy, GSW residuals to the neck and trapezius, and vocal cord paralysis have all been denied. The VA examinations conducted did not support higher rating criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, and he is granted a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD, Sleep Apnea, or Headaches.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, preventing him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.,His headaches are currently rated at 30 percent and do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood, due to symptoms that more closely approximate the 70 percent rating criteria under VA regulations. The claim for a higher rating is granted.