PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule him for appropriate VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD, with alcohol abuse, and bilateral hearing loss. The TDIU claim will be addressed together with the other issues.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 50 percent since November 15, 2010. The evidence does not show that the disability has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the Kansas National Guard and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bilateral ulnar neuropathy prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a verified in-service stressor and therefore cannot establish service connection for PTSD. The claim for depression is also denied as there is no evidence of an in-service event, injury or disease.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that the March 1994 rating decision denying initial service connection was not based on CUE and that the May 2010 denial to reopen the claim did not involve new evidence within one year.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and ensure all development has been completed.

The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymia has been rated at 70 percent since April 3, 2012. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right leg disorder has been withdrawn. The Board also finds that the Veteran does not have established service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. For the period prior to April 13, 2016, the Veteran is granted a 10% rating for his left knee degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA medical records and for further development. The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his PTSD, but the case must be returned to the Board after completion of the requested actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding private treatment records and SSA records, as well as a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder remains under review.

The Board found that the overpayment of $31,551.08 was properly created due to VA's failure to withhold attorney fees from past-due benefits awarded for TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective February 24, 2004. The appellant is entitled to past-due benefits from May 14, 2014, through March 22, 2016.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Schizophrenia, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone does not render him unemployable, as he was previously employed until a motor vehicle accident in December 2010. The record shows other physical impairments and limited education contributing to his inability to work.

The Veteran's PTSD and panic disorder with agoraphobia have been rated at 50 percent prior to May 9, 2016 and 70 percent after that date. The appeal is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and granted service connection based on evidence indicating that she experienced military sexual trauma during her service, which led to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 31, 2010 is being remanded as the threshold schedular criteria are not met. The case will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU.