PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD was dismissed as the Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal. The Board does not have jurisdiction over this issue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was previously denied, but reopened due to new evidence. However, the appeal is dismissed because the Veteran died before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD results in occupational and social impairment, but not to the degree that would warrant a higher disability rating. The current evaluation of 30 percent is appropriate.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially granted in February 2004, and a TDIU was granted beginning March 20, 2008. The rating for PTSD has been increased to 70 percent effective March 20, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent rating, and the TDIU claim is remanded for further adjudication.

The appeal for service connection of a back disability is granted. The reduction in the PTSD evaluation from 50% to 30% is upheld.

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating was reduced from 70% to 30%, effective September 26, 2013. The TBI claim is granted with a 30% disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and MDD with mild cognitive disorder, as well as her TDIU claim due to worsening of her psychiatric condition. The VA will obtain updated medical records and provide the Veteran with a new examination.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected PTSD prior to July 15, 2016 was denied as the evidence did not show that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his reported military sexual trauma (MST).

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and alcohol abuse are found to be etiologically related, granting service connection for PTSD with alcohol abuse. Heart disease and kidney disease secondary to PTSD with alcohol abuse are also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for skin rashes, right ankle osteophyte, chronic fatigue syndrome (as secondary to depressive disorder), PTSD, and functional gastrointestinal disorder including IBS have been granted. The decision also dismisses the claim of service connection for sleep disturbance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, requires further examination and review due to inadequate previous VA examination under DSM-IV criteria. The case is being remanded for a new examination conducted under DSM-V.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render him unemployable prior to November 12, 2004. The claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of total social and occupational impairment due to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, Hypertensive Vascular Disease (claimed as High Blood Pressure), and Diabetes Mellitus due to lack of a VA examination for psychiatric disorders. The claims are inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has found that the most recent VA examinations are too remote to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and PTSD. The claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to December 15, 2017, and a rating in excess of 70 percent thereafter was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence. A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, polysubstance abuse, and PTSD, is related to his service in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.