PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depressive disorder render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were rated at 70 percent prior to June 4, 2014. Beginning June 4, 2014, the rating was increased to 100 percent due to his inability to maintain employment.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a rating of no more than 30 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, other than alcohol dependence. Service connection may not be granted for alcohol dependence on the basis of service incurrence or aggravation as a matter of law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, or depression for VA purposes. As such, service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his TDIU claim, as well as other pending service connection issues. The AOJ must consider all evidence before issuing an SSOC.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of November 29, 2007 for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS are rated at 50 percent disabling. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD, effective April 12, 2011, but the issue of TDIU is moot due to the grant of a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorder due to military sexual trauma is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and right knee disability have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 5, 2015. The Board has granted TDIU based on the schedular rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disability is dismissed. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection for PTSD have been met, as there is medical evidence linking current symptoms to a specific in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective September 17, 2012. His bilateral hearing loss disability remains pending as the claim has been reopened but not yet decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral eye condition is a congenital defect and does not warrant service connection. For his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection as no competent medical opinion supports a link between any current psychiatric condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric condition, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Additionally, a VA examination is required to determine if chronic fatigue syndrome is related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected due to a lack of medical nexus between his current condition and his period of active duty.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted as it is at least as likely as not related to personal trauma experienced during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for increased ratings for bilateral foot disability and right ankle disability are pending and will be remanded.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's symptoms are related to her military service, including sexual assault and racial harassment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examinations. The issues of service connection for PTSD, right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, a scar residual of an erroneous vaccination, and residuals of a concussion are on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from the Birmingham Vet Center and any outstanding records. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD will be reconsidered based on the evidence obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service combat experiences and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending.