PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering all evidence. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and information about the Veteran's employment since 2012. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Board granted an increased initial rating for migraine headaches to 30 percent effective October 24, 2013. The Board also granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of April 11, 2007.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, PTSD with depression and anxiety, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for left wrist disability is pending as it requires further examination.

The Board finds that there is not a sufficient basis to support a conclusion that the March 2009 rating decision denying entitlement to service connection for PTSD did not become final. The claim to reopen a previously finally disallowed claim following that March 2009 denial was received on July 23, 2013. Therefore, that is the appropriate effective date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, has been rated at 70 percent since October 15, 2015. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the severity of her service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and grants TDIU with an effective date of January 28, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to warrant a 50 percent disability rating, but no higher. The Board also noted that the issue of TDIU should be remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 30 percent rating since January 16, 2001. Service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder has been granted. The Veteran does not have service connection for sleep apnea or a bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment for the period prior to December 17, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have manifested in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. The right shoulder disability issue is pending further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is related to his service. The claim will be reconsidered after the additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was considered abandoned due to the Veteran not submitting requested information.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for post-operative residuals of mandibular prognathism and malocclusion, claimed as scars of the face and neck. The Veteran testified during his July 2017 Travel Board hearing that he experienced symptoms such as painful, itchy scars on his face and neck, a burning sensation, and choking sensations since his in-service surgery to correct his mandibular prognathism and malocclusion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than January 31, 2007 for the grant of service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. The Veteran was previously rated for insomnia and PTSD together since June 25, 1994 (the day following his separation from active duty). Effective January 31, 2007, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since April 22, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, chronic sleep disturbance with nightmares, mild memory loss, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, suspiciousness, intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and one instance of suicidal ideation without intent or plan have resulted in reduced reliability and productivity. However, the Veteran's PTSD has not met the criteria for a 70% rating due to deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his PTSD and GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was found to more closely approximate the criteria for a 70 percent rating, which is granted. The appellant also met the criteria for TDIU.