PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors or a link between current psychiatric conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for dependency benefits was denied as the RO provided appropriate notice and fulfilled its duty to assist. The Veteran did not receive the January 2005 notification letter, but this is attributed to a typographical error in his address.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his shoulder injuries and PTSD, do not render him unemployable. The Board denied the claim for TDIU as he is capable of performing most jobs that do not require overhead work.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is now rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Board also granted a TDIU for the period prior to December 20, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a mental disorder.

The Veteran's current plantar fasciitis of the right and left foot, tinnitus, traumatic brain injury (TBI), headaches, PTSD, and right knee disability are all found to be related to his military service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than April 1, 2015 for service connection have been denied.,The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 30 percent and 10 percent for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Hemorrhoids have also been denied.

The Board has ordered additional development for both the skin disorder and PTSD claims due to a Joint Motion for Partial Remand. The case will be remanded to obtain more treatment records, particularly VA records from after January 2017 related to the skin disorder. A medical opinion is also needed to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD at any point during the appeal period and whether it is as likely as not related to service.

The Board has granted a rating of 50 percent for PTSD, effective June 1, 2018. The Veteran's symptoms have been rated as causing occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is currently rated at 70 percent effective October 16, 2008. Effective July 16, 2012, the Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 100 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete medical records and unaddressed issues.

The Board has found that additional development is required before the claims on appeal are decided. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, sleep apnea, GERD, and intestinal disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since October 24, 2016. He also received a TDIU rating effective January 20, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to September 18, 2018. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is granted as service connected. The claim was re-adjudicated due to new evidence submitted after the October 2018 rating decision.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for anxiety disorder is denied, and his request for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) is also denied.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary to ensure compliance with the duty to assist, as required. The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss and PTSD are being remanded due to concerns about the adequacy of previous examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been adequately considered, and a rating in excess of 70 percent is not warranted. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not demonstrate such impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is granted a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has granted service connection for other specified anxiety disorder, chronic, including depression, nightmares, panic attacks, claustrophobia, and PTSD, with an effective date of March 26, 2004. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service stressors as a cryptographer.