PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation for the period prior to May 29, 2008.

The appeal for increased disability ratings and TDIU prior to December 8, 2017 is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection was denied as the earliest possible effective date is February 16, 2010.,A rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to April 20, 2015, has been granted.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a service connection claim for PTSD is granted. Service connection for hypertension and headache disability are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for Hepatitis C, ED as secondary to PTSD, and an increased rating for PTSD due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims are also remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for left-hand and right-hand disorders, as well as PTSD. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

For the rating period from April 2, 2013 to September 2, 2014, you were granted a TDIU due to your service-connected PTSD.,For the entire appeal period (excluding the temporary total rating for hospitalization), your PTSD disability did not meet the criteria for a higher than 70% rating.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and TDIU related to his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess current severity of PTSD symptoms, as well as obtaining additional records from VA and private sources.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the development of evidence and the issuance of a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The Veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran must provide information about all healthcare providers who treated them for PTSD, and VA will obtain any relevant records. A mental health examiner is required to review the medical history and determine if the Veteran has a mental disorder caused by military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service stressor meeting VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was received on January 5, 2011. The Board denied an earlier effective date because no prior unadjudicated claims were found.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are not related to his active duty service and are more likely due to post-military depression.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical spine DDD and DJD, lumbar spine DDD status post fusion, or headache syndrome with migraine features. The issues regarding radiculopathy, special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria, and TDIU have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's in-service stressor and his psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The AOJ is instructed to attempt verification of the claimed stressors and obtain all available service treatment records.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection as it arose during active service. The appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine degenerative disc disease is dismissed.,Issues related to TBI residuals and bilateral vision disability, sleep disorder (obstructive sleep apnea), left upper extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and increased ratings for depressive disorder and PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's back disability and foot disability are not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability related to active service.,PTSD and personality disorder claims were denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed stressors occurred.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than September 30, 2014 for a 30 percent rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is denied as there is no evidence of an increase in disability prior to the filing of the September 30, 2014 claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied, while a 10% rating was granted for residuals of excision of a keratoma of the right foot.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD (previously rated as primary insomnia) is not entitled to a disability rating in excess of 70 percent from April 26, 2016.