PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of outstanding treatment records.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for PTSD, bipolar I disorder, and thoracolumbar strain due to lack of prior claims filed before July 30, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not been productive of total occupational and social impairment, but his other service-connected conditions have resulted in a 100 percent evaluation due to their combined effect on his ability to work.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and severe depression, finding that the Veteran's reported religious harassment during service is sufficient to establish a stressor. The diagnosis of PTSD was confirmed by medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the evidence does not support a finding that he engaged in combat or experienced an in-service stressor related to his HIV diagnosis.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, a respiratory disorder to include as due to herbicide agent exposure in service, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a higher rating of coronary artery disease status post MI with stent placement.,A disability rating of 70 percent was granted for PTSD, effective prior to July 28, 2018. The Veteran is also entitled to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities prior to that date.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70% disability rating, but not higher. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment. Service connection is remanded for bilateral pes planus, left rib disorder, and headaches.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his service, and the Board granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board denied an increased evaluation as his disability picture does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD due to insufficient development and evaluation of his symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent, the highest available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records and ensure all requested development has been completed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as he has been employed for over 20 years and plans to work until age 66.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating more than 50 percent for PTSD and TDIU for the period prior to June 27, 2014 due to an incorrect staged rating in the February 2017 decision. The issues are now inextricably intertwined.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, personality disorder, and impulse control disorder. The Veteran should be provided with a VA examination to determine the etiology of her acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as they do not result in total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol and cocaine dependence has rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for herpes simplex virus and tinea pedis is denied. The Board has also remanded the cases of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), and rating for tinea pedis from September 25, 2015 onwards.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted due to worsening symptoms since his last examination in March 2016. The case is being remanded for further development including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.