PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and panic disorder, along with other disabilities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 11, 2013. Effective May 22, 2012, the combined disability rating was sufficient for a TDIU. Effective August 23, 2018, his other service-connected disabilities are also rated at 60 percent or more.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to credible supporting evidence of his in-service stressor and the Veteran's confirmed involvement in a naval operation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of PTSD was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA Form 21-8940 and a VA examination to assess his functional impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent prior to August 7, 2017, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter, for PTSD is dismissed. The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in March 2004. The appeal to reopen the claim and grant service connection was filed on July 12, 2013, with an effective date of that day.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further development, including obtaining authorization for treatment records and completing VA forms. The issues of increased PTSD ratings and TDIU are being addressed.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with depressive disorder was denied as the earliest application to reopen his claim was received on November 1, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not more closely approximate the level of impairment required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective January 8, 2003, but no earlier. The Board found that the Veteran became unemployable due to service-connected disabilities on January 8, 2003.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with depression, pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has granted effective dates of January 7, 2016 for a 70 percent rating for schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder with PTSD, TDIU, and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was granted with an effective date of June 15, 2011. The decision is based on the evidence showing that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50% since June 21, 2010. The Board has granted a higher rating of 50% for the entire period prior to April 30, 2019 and denied any request for an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's reported stressors and a need for an opinion on the etiological relationship between any current psychiatric disability and his active service.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence claim is remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disability.,The Veteran's skin disability claim is remanded for a new examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, or due to his presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam.,The Veteran's back disability claim is remanded for an initial examination to assess whether he has a current back disability that is at least as likely as not incurred during active service.,The Veteran's respiratory disability claim is remanded for an initial examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam and/or his reports of exposure to extreme amounts of dust and other elements due to his participation in airlift operations during active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% after December 7, 2016. The initial rating for PTSD prior to that date and the initial rating for CAD remain denied.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the reopening of a previously denied claim for major depressive disorder, as well as claims for tinnitus, hypertension, headaches, PTSD, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance and/or housebound status, left wrist limitation of motion, and Parkinson's disease under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder is rated at a 50 percent disability rating for the period prior to September 28, 2018. For the period from September 28, 2018, a higher than 70 percent rating is denied.