PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has granted an effective date of April 16, 2010 for the award of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and TDIU prior to September 15, 2016 are being remanded.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain an opinion on whether any current psychiatric disability is related to in-service stressors and if it is caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus TDIU is granted. The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for PTSD prior to May 2, 2014, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of increasing staged ratings for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia, due to military sexual trauma (MST). The evidence supports the Veteran's account of his in-service assault and resulting mental health issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The evidence did not establish a current diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, and the preponderance of the evidence showed that the Veteran’s PTSD symptoms were manageable with therapy but still impacted his social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective September 15, 2017. The decision also remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder is granted.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for a vestibular disorder (claimed as dizziness) is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's attorney was eligible for payment of fees from past-due benefits awarded in the August 2013 rating decision which granted an increased rating for PTSD with dysthymic disorder and granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after a previous denial of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's STRs and personnel records indicate she experienced MST, but her medical records are inconsistent with her statements about sexual assault. A VA examiner is needed to determine if her acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to July 17, 2013, and 70 percent thereafter. The case is being remanded for further development and readjudication.

The Veteran's service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD has been denied, and his PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent. The Veteran's TDIU claim has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the etiology of his post-concussion syndrome and sleep apnea, as well as service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities was granted.

The Veteran's COPD compensable rating claim is withdrawn.,The effective date for TDIU prior to January 27, 2016 is denied.,A staged disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to April 1, 2016 is granted and a staged rating in excess of 70 percent after February 17, 2016 is denied.,Service connection for sleep apnea, right knee disability, and diabetes are all denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. Effective dates earlier than the assigned dates are not granted as there is no evidence of intent to file a claim prior to those dates.,An effective date earlier than November 6, 2014 for PTSD, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to July 22, 2003 for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, as well as an increased rating for his right ankle disability. The remand requires obtaining verification of the alleged in-service stressor, requesting all service personnel records (SPRs), and scheduling VA examinations to determine the severity of the right ankle disability and the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The examination should address whether his mother's death and subsequent abuse during bootcamp are related to his conditions.