PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to include all acquired psychiatric disabilities and is remanding for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, which is related to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevents him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for asthma and an acquired psychiatric disability due to insufficient examination reports. Additional VA treatment records are needed, including those from the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (CAPS) inpatient program at Mt. Sinai Hospital.

The Veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and an earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed as the appeal is barred by law.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's exposure to hostile military activity is conceded. A new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, is granted as service connected due to combat exposure during World War II.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective April 13, 2017. The rating reflects significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board has remanded the claims for increases in PTSD ratings, TDIU, and SMP based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection were properly filed on November 15, 2011. Effective dates of November 15, 2011 have been granted for all disabilities.

The Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis is remanded for a new examination to determine the predominant disability and extent of scarring. The service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is also remanded due to lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. Service connection for a respiratory condition and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury with memory loss is denied as he does not have such residuals. The claims for PTSD, right shoulder disability, bilateral knee disability, thoracic spine scoliosis (claimed as trauma to the spine), and left ear hearing loss are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, TBI, depression, alcohol dependence, and a skin disorder were denied. The effective dates for these decisions are August 13, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD. However, the rating for PTSD remains remanded due to inadequate examination and the need for a new one. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD and his claim for TDIU are both remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 50 percent for dysthymic disorder and for a TDIU rating due to his service-connected psychiatric disability. The decision is based on the need for updated VA treatment records, another examination by a psychiatrist or psychologist, and proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and tinnitus, is rated at 70 percent. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.