PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, and his alcohol use disorder is considered secondary to the service-connected PTSD. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, including PTSD and mood disorders, has been rated at 30 percent since October 23, 2003. The Board granted a TDIU effective date prior to December 29, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% rating since the date of claim, and his diabetes mellitus type II is rated at 20% prior to October 18, 2011, and 40% thereafter. The liver disorder was not found.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, due to a lack of probative evidence corroborating the claimed in-service stressors and no confirmed diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected and denied his claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD. The TDIU claim was also denied as there were no schedular requirements met.

The Veteran's PTSD with features of depression is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 13, 2016. The Board has granted a TDIU effective July 14, 2014.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address recent VA treatment records, assess the Veteran's current sleep disorder and PTSD status, and provide a comprehensive examination of his headaches. The claims will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's TDIU claim is part and parcel to his increased rating claim.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and no service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral cataracts and a skin disability are pending. The Veteran is seeking increased ratings for PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus.,VA has granted the Veteran an effective date of October 5, 2010 for the award of service connection for coronary artery disease due to his service-connected disabilities in combination. Effective March 4, 2002, VA also granted a TDIU based on the combined impact of multiple service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings remains pending and will be addressed by the Board.,The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for his award of service connection for coronary artery disease. The Board finds that no earlier effective date than March 4, 2002 is assignable due to lack of a prior formal or informal claim within one year of separation from service.,VA has granted the Veteran's TDIU based on the combined impact of multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been addressed. The Board has granted some of the requested increases in rating, but denied others.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and denied nonservice-connected pension benefits. The claim of entitlement to TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to possible worsening of PTSD symptoms and ineligibility for TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, such as obtaining VA treatment records and corroborating his claimed stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a left ankle disability. No new evidence or material was presented to reopen the claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS is service-connected and granted this claim. The issues of depression, respiratory condition, IHD, bladder cancer, hypoglycemia, headaches, peripheral neuropathy, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are also addressed.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and verifying the Veteran's alleged stressors. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD based on his reported in-service experiences.

The Veteran's claims of PTSD and depression were denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM criteria, and the Veteran's depression was not related to his active service. The TDIU claim was also denied due to lack of any service-connected disabilities. An earlier effective date for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied as the claim was received on October 21, 2013.

The Board has been notified that the RO has granted service connection for PTSD, which means the appeal is dismissed as there are no remaining issues to be decided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted due to the submission of new evidence that supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors.