PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD and GERD have been granted, with a 50% rating for PTSD effective March 17, 2010, and a 0% rating for GERD effective September 5, 2010. The GERD rating is the highest possible under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted effective May 9, 2011 based on new evidence received after the original denial in December 2011.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD anxiety and major depression, that had its clinical onset in or is otherwise related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since February 16, 2012. The rating is based on the criteria for direct service connection and does not involve any presumption or secondary condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of symptoms warranting a higher rating.,There is no service connection for a left shoulder disability or low back disability. The Veteran's bilateral hand disability and eye disabilities are not service connected.,Hypertension and prostate disability have been denied as well.,The Veteran's tremors of the hands, lips, and mouth were also not granted service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that his symptoms do not warrant an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% prior to February 24, 2012 and at 70% from that date onwards. The effective date for his TDIU remains April 24, 2012.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus, which represents a full grant of this benefit sought on appeal. The Veteran's current right hip disorder is not related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, other than PTSD, did not have their onset in service or within one year of his discharge from service and are not otherwise related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, warranting a rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent prior to August 16, 2012. The Board found that the disability picture more nearly approximated the criteria for a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for anxiety disorder, and the Board finds that his current psychiatric disorders are related to his active service. The claim of service connection for PTSD, psychotic disorder, and schizoaffective disorder is denied as there was no evidence provided to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board found that the appellant's current psychiatric disorders did not begin during his military service and are not otherwise related to his active duty. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD evaluation is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD remains on hold until further notice.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Board videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after appropriate action.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are productive of no more than occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD have not been met.