PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% prior to January 31, 2019 and the Board has remanded for further evaluation. Other service-connected issues are also being remanded.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective October 15, 2018. His PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated as total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive features and maladaptive personality traits have most closely approximated the criteria for a 100 percent rating since September 9, 2014. As such, he is granted an initial 100 percent rating for this disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs to provide additional supporting evidence regarding his claimed stressors and undergo VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied an increased rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted effective the date of his June 2015 application, resulting in a 50% disability rating. The RO awarded this effective date based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation of PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive features and ataxia results in total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period, warranting a 100% evaluation since September 9, 2016.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to May 11, 2011, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular requirements and that extraschedular consideration was not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied as his symptoms do not warrant a rating in excess of 50 percent.,The effective date for service connection for PTSD is denied, and the earliest possible date is November 8, 2016.,Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee secondary to right knee disability is remanded due to incomplete rationale in the previous VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes, and sleep apnea, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from December 19, 2011, to September 6, 2016. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, as secondary to PTSD, was granted. The claim of entitlement to an initial disability rating greater than 30 percent for service-connected adjustment disorder is denied. The claim of entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded. The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, as secondary to a service-connected disability, was granted. The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for asthma with emphysema and recurrent pneumonia prior to July 3, 2018, remains pending.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, alcohol abuse, and depressive disorder NOS. The issues of an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and a gallbladder disorder due to in-service injuries. The VA is instructed to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for an aneurysm, residuals of a TBI, and effective date prior to May 14, 2015 for the grant of Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits are now pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including PTSD and spine and joint disorders. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of this development.

The Veteran is granted educational benefits at a 100% rate due to his service-connected PTSD and discharge under other than dishonorable conditions.

The Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus and PTSD have been granted service connection based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents during active duty. The TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent for the entire period on appeal, granting a total disability rating.