PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective February 21, 2017. The Board found the evidence supported a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment, as he has maintained at least part-time employment throughout the appeal period with only temporary, short-term periods of unemployment related to budgetary or contracting issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and stressor verification.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 5, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression warrant a 50 percent rating for the entire appeal period, as his symptoms meet the criteria for reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depression with alcohol and marijuana dependence are rated at 70 percent, warranting a higher evaluation. The Veteran also has additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more disabling, which is separate from his TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent for the entire rating period on appeal. The Board has now increased his rating to 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under DC 9411.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating before August 3, 2012 or beginning August 3, 2012.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and has determined that new evidence received since the last denial supports the claim. The Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor, which involves fear of hostile military activity while flying missions over Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of PTSD and a higher rating for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is being remanded due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal for PTSD. The case will be further adjudicated regarding the adjustment disorder claim.

The Board finds that the Veteran's mental health disorder, likely PTSD or Adjustment Disorder, was a contributing cause of his death by suicide. The expert psychiatrist's opinion supports this conclusion based on the Veteran's deployment to Iraq and subsequent behavioral changes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD as a result of military sexual trauma, including his in-service assault. The diagnosis is supported by VA treatment records and corroborated by other evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected conditions do not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and service personnel records. A VA psychiatric examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, with a focus on PTSD and in-service assault trauma.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient examination findings and a need for further evaluation, including a PTSD examination and an updated VA examination of his left elbow disability.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD, which is related to his combat experiences in Iraq.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss that meets VA's definition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling throughout the appeal period, and his symptoms have not met or approximated the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran is seeking a higher disability rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated evidence and provide the Veteran with a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have any residuals of cold weather injuries to his hands and feet, nor has he been diagnosed with a psychiatric disability or prostate cancer. The claim for service connection was denied as there is no evidence supporting these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed it.