PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, but no higher, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined rating of 70% did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and Tension Headaches were granted increased ratings, with a 70% rating for PTSD and a 50% rating for Tension Headaches. The effective date for the tension headaches rating was denied as there is no factual basis to award an earlier effective date. The Veteran also received a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, as there is no current diagnosis of any such condition.

The Board has found that the Veteran's VA examinations for his cervical spine, knee disabilities, and mental health conditions have not been conducted as scheduled. The appeal is being remanded to reschedule these examinations and obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence of current symptomatology for PTSD, and a new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar disorder is rated at 50 percent effective November 15, 2017. His service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of her hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric disability. The claims will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated major depressive disorder is granted as service connection, based on a diagnosed fear of hostile military activity during his time in Afghanistan.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective as of April 26, 2012. The VA has remanded the issue of service connection for COPD due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder was denied, but he was granted a 30% rating effective March 8, 2011. The Board found that an earlier effective date is not warranted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination to reconcile conflicting opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorders.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder was denied as there is no evidence of a service-connected psychiatric condition.

An initial, 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted. Increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and TDIU claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not meet the criteria for total social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with occasional decreases in work efficiency, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The current 30 percent evaluation is upheld.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied as there was no CUE in the August 1989 rating decision, and the earliest possible effective date is April 30, 1996.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The appeal for a higher rating and TDIU remains pending.