PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but not higher. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as obsessional rituals that interfere with routine activities and near continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently.

The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for a left knee disability has been granted. An initial increased rating of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability is granted effective January 27, 2016. For the period prior to May 12, 2015, an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for the left ankle disability is denied. A 10 percent disability rating for the left ankle disability is granted beginning May 12, 2015. An increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 15, 2017, and in excess of 70 percent from May 15, 2017, is denied. For the period prior to May 15, 2017, entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, back, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), asthma, cholecystitis, and Parkinson’s disease have all been denied.,No new or material evidence was received to reopen any of the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is dismissed, and his appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder (which includes PTSD) is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial 70 percent rating, effective from November 9, 2010. Additionally, the Veteran was awarded TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities preventing him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as the Veteran did not have a diagnosis of PTSD linked to a verified military stressor and no examiner has linked a psychiatric diagnosis to his service.

The Veteran's application for a clothing allowance for his left knee brace was denied because the evidence did not document continued use of the device, including no sign of recent maintenance or replacement.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for joint pain, migraine headaches, PTSD, and left ear hearing loss due to additional development being required.

Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder.,Service connection is granted for a headache disorder.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's back condition is granted as service connected.,Hypertension, claimed as high blood pressure, is denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board has also remanded issues related to left ear hearing loss, COPD, and total disability rating based upon individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in May 2013, effective from February 22, 2002. The Board found that the diagnosis of PTSD was established after the initial denial and granted service connection based on the Veteran's lay testimony and clinical evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and inadequate examination reports. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all relevant medical records, including those from SSA and VA facilities, and schedule a VA examination to assess the severity of his low back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to inadequate examination opinions. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination to determine if his conditions are related to service, including acoustic trauma.

The Board has denied service connection for left ankle and left foot disabilities, as well as migraine headaches and PTSD. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at a 50% prior to May 10, 2015 and at a 70% thereafter. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms were characterized by persistent depression, daily anxiety attacks, irritability with outbursts of anger, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, infrequent suicidal ideation, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective relationships for the period prior to May 10, 2015. For the period since May 10, 2015, the Veteran's PTSD was characterized by total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and development of his employment claim.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including specific phobia and PTSD, is remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a VA examination. The examiner should determine the current severity of any diagnosed disorders.