PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since March 24, 2008. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, a denial of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder prior to August 29, 2016, and the denial of service connection for a respiratory disorder (to include asbestosis).

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, but remanded the other issues due to missing treatment records and need for further medical opinions. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be aggravated by his service-connected headaches and left leg disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a rating of 70 percent since February 1, 2013. The issue of an initial rating for lumbar spine IVDS with right lower extremity neurological impairment is remanded. The issue of TDIU is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance/housebound, and total disability based on individual unemployability are being remanded due to incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, as he meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, as there are unverified stressors reported by the Veteran.

The Veteran's death was caused by sepsis, with diabetes mellitus contributing substantially to his death. The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD with Panic Disorder and for TDIU is being remanded due to unclear diagnoses and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, DJD and knee conditions, make it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effects of his disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol use disorder have resulted in a schedular rating of 70 percent, but the Board has granted a TDIU due to his unemployability as a result of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for further examination and review of the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis under the DSM-V criteria. The issue remains on appeal as service connection is determined based on the merits.

The Veteran's left ankle disability and PTSD have been granted service connection. The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the neck, low back, and hypertension issues.,The Veteran’s claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and hypertension disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and/or depression) are related to service, but further medical opinions are needed to determine if these conditions are caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted on October 27, 2015. The Board determined that the effective date should be October 27, 2015, as this is later than when he filed his initial claim for insomnia in July 2012 and did not file a claim for PTSD at that time.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating and TDIU due to service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is denied as there was no prior claim filed before July 23, 2012.,Service connection for a right foot disability and neck disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development, including a VA mental health examination and additional medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for an updated diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding a current diagnosis of PTSD and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent and a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, as well as his claim for TDIU due to inadequate development.