PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim of a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. The claim of TDIU due to service-connected PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to January 24, 2018 and remains at 70 percent thereafter. The rating is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD, to include major depressive disorder and substance abuse, was manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to December 10, 2014. The Board found that the current assigned 70 percent rating for PTSD from March 11, 2013, to December 10, 2014, is proper.

The Veteran's right upper extremity disability was rated at 40 percent from October 1, 2009 to September 29, 2014. The Board denied a higher rating for this period.

The Veteran's claim of erectile dysfunction secondary to his service-connected prostate cancer is granted. The claim for PTSD is denied. The TDIU claim has been withdrawn prior to a decision by the Board. Other claims are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for further investigation into the Veteran's in-service psychiatric history.

The Veteran's PTSD and related disabilities have been granted a 70% disability rating, TDIU status, and special monthly compensation based on housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder prior to November 13, 2012 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder from November 13, 2012 to December 2, 2014 was remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right thumb disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is remanded due to insufficient evidence. The case will be reviewed again with the possibility of additional medical examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to September 10, 2016 and at 70% thereafter.,Migraine headaches are not rated as compensable but denied for a rating in excess of 50% after September 9, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of his VA medical records and consideration of the issues related to service connection, increased ratings, and effective dates.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD, insomnia disorder, and depression has been reopened. The appeal is granted to this extent only.

The Board denied service connection for alopecia and PTSD due to lack of current disability related to the conditions, despite a conceded in-service stressor event. The Veteran's private and VA treatment records did not show any diagnosis of alopecia or PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 9, 2015.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board denied the TDIU claim as there is no evidence that his service-connected conditions alone prevent him from obtaining or maintaining such employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran seeks an effective date earlier than January 28, 2011 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Board finds that the proper effective date is the date of receipt of the claim or the date entitlement arose, whichever is later.,The Veteran seeks an effective date earlier than January 28, 2011 for a higher evaluation for psoriasis. The evidence shows systemic therapy with immunosuppressive drugs starting more than one year prior to the date of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's service includes combat experience in Vietnam.

The January 2005 rating decision denying PTSD was found to contain clear and unmistakable error, leading to a grant of service connection for PTSD with an effective date of October 25, 2004.