PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess its current severity. The issue of TDIU is also remanded due to potential overlap with the PTSD rating determination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board found that the symptoms do not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating, and thus only a 30 percent rating is warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in total social and occupational impairment, so a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU as her service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from obtaining or maintaining all gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected psychiatric disorder and GERD, as well as the reopening of his claims for high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus have been remanded. The TDIU claim has also been added to the appeal.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, should be remanded due to insufficient evidence and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with a history of PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The condition causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disabilities preexisted service and are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his service connection claims, including verification of stressors and a psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, a depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The claim for eligibility to treatment under 38 U.S.C. 1702 is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the service connection claim.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD have been granted service connection. The Board has also found that the Veteran's left ankle disorder may be related to his military service, but a new examination is needed to determine if his back disorder is secondary to his left ankle disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder (NOS) are rated at 50 percent, effective May 24, 2010. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms that have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's baseline disability evaluation for Major Depressive Disorder was found to be improper, and the effective evaluation is established as zero percent.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection and disability ratings, including those for upper back disability, defective vision, PTSD, hearing loss, breathing problems, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, loss of teeth, and tinea pedis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's stressor events during service. The AOJ is instructed to conduct further research and contact the JSRRC for additional information.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering all relevant evidence submitted after the August 2017 SSOC.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to an incomplete VA examination. The examiner needs to provide a clear diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-IV criteria, specify if it is related to service, and address whether there are other conditions that may affect employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran also received a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied increased ratings for type 2 diabetes mellitus, nephropathy with hypertension associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, left and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathies, and PTSD. The appellant's conditions were rated based on their current manifestations without requiring additional treatment or hospitalization.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus II with correctable early renal disease, erectile dysfunction and diabetic retinopathy is currently rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective February 10, 2010. The rating will remain at this level until June 8, 2015.