PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% and has been increased to 70%, effective April 28, 2013. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria for a 70% rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was restored to a 70% rating, and service connection for tinnitus was granted. The Veteran also received an award of TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety due to insufficient evidence regarding the presence of in-service stressors for PTSD and a lack of medical opinion linking current diagnoses to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including posttraumatic stress disorder, headaches, right lower extremity radiculopathy, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and cervical strain, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective November 8, 2010. A TDIU based on service-connected PTSD is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating throughout the entire period of his claim, indicating total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disorder was granted. Service connection for PTSD was denied, and the case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an opportunity for the Veteran to provide private treatment records.

The Veteran's bladder disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. Service connection for depressive reaction with PTSD is granted at a 100% rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostatitis, PTSD due to military sexual trauma, and left lower extremity neuropathy as secondary to his back disability has been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The appeals for service connection for asbestosis and an acquired psychiatric disorder have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the record, and a supplemental statement of the case must be issued with consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been shown to meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent, as his symptoms do not warrant total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol abuse are rated at 50 percent prior to January 5, 2018, and at 70 percent thereafter. The appeal for a higher rating is denied. TDIU is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, depressive disorder with anxiety, and anxiety disorder. The examination must determine if these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service experiences.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD is remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records and a failure to issue a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left shoulder disability has been dismissed.,Service connection for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's clothing allowance for a back brace from 2015 and 2016 is granted due to credible evidence showing the brace causes wear and tear on his clothes.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability is denied. The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is granted an increased rating to 70%. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective April 4, 2008. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the service-connected PTSD.