PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for earlier effective dates for a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD, SMC at the housebound rate, and DEA benefits. The effective date for these awards is set as April 8, 2013.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and earlier effective dates have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating of 100 percent is not warranted due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD and denied entitlement to a TDIU prior to September 18, 2007.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of all issues.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for malaria is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD was denied as there was no evidence of increased disability within one year prior to the October 29, 2013 claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has not met the criteria for a higher disability rating prior to April 8, 2015, and is rated at 70 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner is required to determine if any diagnosed disorders are related to in-service stressors and other reported stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional treatment records and updates.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to a TDIU prior to October 22, 2009 is being remanded for further consideration. The Board finds that the Veteran may be unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD and has referred the case to the Director of Compensation Service for an initial determination on whether an extraschedular award based on TDIU should be assigned.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for his TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the claim was filed in May 2012 and the first evidence showing entitlement arose in September 2012. The effective date of the award is set at May 17, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, an initial rating higher than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, and an initial rating higher than 30 percent for nephropathy. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for clothing allowances is denied because the items claimed (antifungal cream, custom insoles, back brace, and knee braces) are not prescribed for service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his sleep disorder, PTSD, chronic left ankle strain, and unspecified anxiety disorder due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology and severity. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional information about stressors related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for updated medical examinations and records.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to potential worsening of the Veteran's conditions. The Veteran will need to undergo new VA examinations to assess his current PTSD, bullet wound to the chest with myofascial pain syndrome, and overall employment capacity.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to April 1, 2011, and 70 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect his disability.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD. The evidence shows that the Veteran's in-service stressors are conceded, and his diagnosed conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board finds that the Veteran currently suffers from PTSD related to his active military service.