PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran did not file a timely notice of disagreement with the May 2008 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD, and thus the May 2008 rating decision is final.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae and bilateral sacroiliitis have been denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury, to include frostbite, has been denied as there is no current disability. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective from March 15, 2013, based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 9, 2010, for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran did not have a prior unadjudicated/pending claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, prior to July 9, 2010.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and anxiety has been reopened, but the evidence does not establish a link between his current symptoms and his military service. The TBI claim was denied as there is no credible evidence of a head injury during service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling, and the request for a TDIU based on this disability is moot due to the schedular rating. The claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected shrapnel wound scar on his left leg is granted, and he receives a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD.,PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the Board finds in favor of his claim, finding that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence and resolving reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50% rating prior to October 6, 2016 and an increased 70% rating thereafter. The Veteran also received a compensable disability rating for migraine headaches and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran was found to be substantially employed during the period from September 11, 2007, to June 9, 2008. Therefore, his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded for further development, including a new examination and review of his treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been fully granted, resulting in a full grant of the benefit sought on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and left sural nerve entrapment have been granted increased ratings, with the PTSD rating now at 50 percent effective December 14, 2012.

The Board found no evidence of a direct connection between the Veteran's service and his current psychiatric disability, nor did it find that any compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining verification of in-service stressors and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated as 70 percent disabling prior to April 14, 2016. The appeal for a higher rating is granted.