PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal to receive a higher disability rating for his service-connected PTSD has been withdrawn by the Veteran, resulting in the dismissal of this case.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, as evidence shows it may have increased in severity since the last examination. The case will be readjudicated after this.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% from December 6, 2010 to June 20, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and schizoaffective disorder, as well as a TDIU claim, were denied because the Veteran failed to appear for scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Board has decided that additional evidence should be considered to determine if the Veteran's claims for service connection are valid, as some of his conditions were not properly addressed in previous decisions.

The Board denied service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, finding that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors were inherently incredible and insufficient to support a valid diagnosis of PTSD. The Board also found no current evidence of any acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD related to active service.

The Veteran's PTSD was increased to a 70% rating effective September 29, 2011. The Board granted an earlier effective date of October 2, 2012 for the TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of stressor evidence, and the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability rating, effective prior to July 23, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for TBI was withdrawn. The claim of service connection for PTSD, related to MST in service, has been reopened and granted.,Service connection for PTSD is established as the Veteran experienced an in-service stressor involving sexual assault.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeals for right and left knee disabilities have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal of these issues at a hearing.,A claim of entitlement to service connection for a neck disability has been reopened due to new evidence. The Veteran's neck disability is found to be related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to new evidence being added to his file, including VA treatment records. The claims include service connection for various conditions related to scleroderma and other disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and back disability render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 20, 2012.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for hepatitis C and PTSD, finding new and material evidence. Service connection is denied for shin splints.

The Veteran's claims for right ear hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including major depressive disorder and PTSD), and a cervical spine disability have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, service connection remains denied as there is no clear evidence that these conditions are related to his military service.,Service connection has not been established for left ear infection, colon cancer, stroke, or low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD, headaches, and left knee disability. The RO will also obtain any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that there is no probative evidence of current TBI, chloracne, an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, or peripheral neuropathy of the right upper or lower extremity. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be established.