PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, with the Board finding that his symptoms did not warrant an increase in disability beyond what is currently assigned.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the 70 percent rating for PTSD was also denied. The Board found no evidence of increased severity within one year prior to July 29, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to February 19, 2013 was not manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,From February 19, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is at least as likely as not related to his service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting diagnoses and a need for further examination regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete military personnel records and an unclear opinion regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric disability existed prior to service. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for his psychiatric disorder as it does not clearly and unmistakably exist prior to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, degenerative joint and disc disease, and sciatica, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of at least 70% due to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, a cervical spine disability, and a low back disability have been reopened. The claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports that his PTSD is related to in-service stressors. Service connection is also granted for the cervical spine disability due to its relation to an in-service event. However, the Veteran's low back disability cannot be linked to service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disorder, esophageal cancer, diabetes mellitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The remand requires further development of evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression and PTSD, has been rated at 70% since May 31, 2007. The effective date for the TDIU is also set to May 31, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. This reflects significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right shoulder disability was denied.,Service connection for PTSD was not granted due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a psychiatric examination and additional records, including Vet Center treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is related to military sexual trauma (MST) and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has maintained employment in various fields despite his psychiatric and diabetes conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The reasons include the need for further VA psychiatric evaluation, as well as obtaining relevant VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits documentation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and unspecified depressive disorder, is found to be related to an in-service event. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that the issue of TDIU is moot for the period beginning February 16, 2016. The case is remanded to obtain an adequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to February 16, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressors and the relationship between his current psychiatric disorders and service.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, left shoulder arthritis, and right shoulder arthritis. Service connection was also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and PTSD). The Veteran's hearing loss and fibromyalgia claims are remanded. The rating of the Veteran's radiculopathy is also remanded. TDIU is remanded as it is intertwined with other issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and the need for additional records, including VA and private treatment records. The examiner is also required to provide an opinion on whether any current diagnosed psychiatric conditions are related to service.