PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 3, 2010 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the symptoms described by the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating or total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was denied as he did not file a formal or informal claim prior to January 2, 2009. The appeal seeking an increased rating for right ear hearing loss is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. A new VA examination is required to provide adequate diagnoses and etiology opinions for all of the claimant’s acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for verification of the Veteran's reported in-service stressor and a determination on whether he currently has a psychiatric disability related to service.

The Veteran's spouse is entitled to an earlier effective date of April 23, 2014 for the payment of dependency allowance due to a prior claim received by VA on that date.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of increased evaluation and TDIU due to PTSD with major depressive disorder. The Veteran needs to provide information about his treatment providers, obtain any outstanding records, and undergo VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD and for TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran should be provided with a new VA examination, and any additional development is required before these issues can be reconsidered.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence of a stressor. The Veteran needs to provide additional information or have further investigation conducted.

The Board granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, diagnosed as inflammatory facet joint arthropathy. The appeal was dismissed for the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and chronic depression.

The Veteran's PTSD, MDD, and GAD have caused total occupational and social impairment from March 28, 2013 to March 13, 2015. The Board granted a 100% rating for this period.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's conditions, including his claimed PTSD. The claims are also being reopened due to new evidence received.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for multiple traumatic brain injuries is granted. Service connection for PTSD is also granted, but a rating in excess of 50 percent and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding a higher rating for PTSD, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding service connection for gastrointestinal disorder and acquired mental condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence is rated at 50 percent prior to July 29, 2015. The Board has granted a rating of 100 percent for the entire period on appeal including prior to July 29, 2015.

The Veteran's TBI is rated at 70 percent, but not higher, prior to July 16, 2018. From July 16, 2018, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied due to his current employment, but the Board finds that he should be afforded new VA examinations and updated treatment records as his employment status has changed.