PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and his bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis are rated at 30 percent beginning May 8, 2011. The Veteran does not have service connection for these conditions based on a presumption or secondary theory.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% since June 24, 2010.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for COPD. The claim remains pending.,Service connection for COPD was denied in a previous decision but reopened due to new evidence. The Veteran's COPD is not related to his military service.,The Veteran's TDIU rating appeal is moot as he already has a 100% disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 9, 2011. The Board also granted a TDIU effective September 3, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder NOS was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim prior to the Board's decision. The issue of a compensable disability rating prior to November 13, 2013 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter, for service-connected scar of the right arm, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of all currently diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and major depression have more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period. An initial rating of 100 percent for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran is found to be unable to obtain and sustain a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the appeal can be adjudicated, including obtaining VA treatment records from 2012 to present and SSA disability records. The Veteran's service personnel records are also needed for further review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of her claims.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for clarification of his employment history and to obtain a retrospective medical opinion regarding the functional impact of his service-connected disabilities prior to October 25, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, was not incurred in or as a result of active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 18, 2007 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no clear evidence that a claim was submitted before this date.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date earlier than September 1, 2009 for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn. The issues of entitlement to a higher disability rating for PTSD and TDIU are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, fibromyalgia, IBS, and PFB are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide an adequate examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is rated at 70 percent, effective May 11, 2011. She also meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, adjustment disorder and major depressive disorder, is related to service in Vietnam. Service connection for these conditions has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU as of August 15, 2011.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the appropriate disability ratings for PTSD, TBI, depressive disorder, insomnia, hemorrhoids, and GERD. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide updated opinions from VA examiners.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to include obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a psychiatric and audiological examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, specifically an in-service sexual assault. The evidence supports this finding and resolves all doubts in favor of the Veteran.