PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating from August 18, 2008. The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is being remanded due to the failure to appear at a scheduled Board hearing and potential issues with the Veteran's competency. New evidence may be needed to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and obtaining private medical records. VA examinations will be conducted to assess current psychiatric disorders, sleep disorder, and hypertension.

The Board granted service connection for back injury residuals and PTSD, effective May 18, 2005. The Veteran's August 17, 1988 statement is considered an informal claim to reopen both claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, seizures, and lacerations of his fingers. The decision also noted that multiple medical diagnoses or diagnoses that differ from the claimed condition do not necessarily represent wholly separate claims.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, should be remanded due to the misfiled documents and outstanding service treatment records. The Veteran's incarceration status must also be confirmed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations. The issues of rating PTSD, seeking a higher rating for PTSD from August 10, 2012, and TDIU prior to that date are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since October 4, 2011. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms including gross impairment in thought processes or communication; persistent delusions or hallucinations; grossly inappropriate behavior; and persistent danger to self or others.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his TDIU and DEA benefits, left him in need of regular aid and attendance. The Board found that he met the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder since August 6, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a pending request for a DRO hearing. The issues include increased ratings for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and PTSD; service connection claims for right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since October 30, 2006. The Board finds that the disability picture more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD has caused significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70% disability rating since July 29, 2004.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to MST, is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claim for TDIU to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration on an extraschedular basis due to evidence suggesting the Veteran may be unemployable due to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the requested VA examinations were inadequate and not in compliance with the June 2014 Remand directives. The case is therefore REMANDED for further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, schizophrenia, psychosis, or personality disorder. The Veteran's conditions are found not related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 11, 2015. His opioid use disorder issues have not resulted in a separate rating as they are part of his overall service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100% since February 18, 2015. Prior to that date, he was rated at 30%. The lumbar spine disability remains at a 30% rating.