PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 5, 2009. The Board found that the evidence supports a higher rating of at least 70 percent for PTSD but denied a 100 percent rating due to insufficient evidence. The issue of TDIU remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and failure to obtain relevant medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, will be reconsidered.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's schizophrenia is not service-connected, but his PTSD claim remains pending and needs further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining employment records from the USPS and arranging for an audiological examination to assess his hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of $1,767 was improperly created and thus not valid. The Veteran's appeal is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service military sexual trauma, and the Board finds service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD effective December 13, 2001. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is denied as no communication prior to December 13, 2001 can be interpreted as a formal or informal claim for PTSD. For the entire period on appeal, the criteria for a rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD have not been met. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as panic attacks, impaired speech, impaired judgment, or difficulty maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, with PTSD features and alcohol abuse, is rated at 50 percent since August 5, 2008.

The Veteran's neck disability has been rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. For TDIU, the Veteran does not meet the schedular requirements as his combined disability rating is less than 70%.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total impairment. The current rating of 70% is maintained.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hand tremors and PTSD, but denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (to include GAD and MDD). The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is considered a progression of her anxiety disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, PTSD, a right hand disorder, and 'jungle rot' of the feet. The Veteran's claims are now moot as no further adjudication is required.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of any current psychiatric disorder. The claims will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to inadequate development, including a lack of an examination addressing the combined effect of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, a liver condition (including hepatitis B and C), an eye condition, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to exposure to herbicides have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain treatment records from the DC Vet Center between April 2009 and July 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have a psychiatric disorder consisting of PTSD and did not have PTSD during any portion of the appeal period, and his schizophrenia was not caused by or otherwise related to his active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and schizophrenia, is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for burns on his hands was denied, but he was granted service connection for PTSD. The special monthly pension claim is pending as the Veteran does not meet the criteria for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to service, including a claimed in-service stressor. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.