PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse produces severe, but less than total, occupational and social impairment. The Board denied a higher disability rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, insomnia, PTSD, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were denied. The decision also remanded several issues including the increased rating for PTSD prior to June 23, 2015 and thereafter; the compensable disability rating for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; and the TDIU claim.,The Veteran was not granted any initial ratings or effective dates for his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder. The case is being returned to the RO for further development, including verifying in-service stressors, obtaining military personnel records, providing appropriate notice regarding personal assault claims, scheduling a VA examination, and obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and evaluations of various conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to undergo examinations and obtain additional records in order to properly adjudicate his claims of service connection for bladder cancer, an acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD and adjustment disorder, and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression is causing occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.,Service connection for sleep apnea as caused by service-connected PTSD with depression has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD prior to February 15, 2017 is being remanded due to the need for additional development involving SSA records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular percentage requirements for TDIU, and his educational and occupational background make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his employability is not due to these conditions alone.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD diagnosis and its relationship to service. The examiner is asked to provide a current diagnosis for PTSD in line with DSM-5, assess whether the 2010 diagnosis was accurate or resolved, and determine if the Veteran's symptoms are related to his reported stressors from Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression has been granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective January 8, 2015.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and service connection for various spine conditions, as well as secondary service connection for radiculopathy of the upper and lower extremities. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a skin disorder and psychiatric disorders, including as secondary to chemical exposure. The Veteran contends he was exposed to trichlorethylene (TCE) while in service and that this led to health issues such as skin disorders and PTSD or depression.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The claim for hypertension has been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been denied. The Board has also remanded the case to issue a Statement of the Case addressing the issue of entitlement to an increased evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70 percent, effective March 4, 2014. The earlier effective date for service connection remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's incarceration, and a VA examination must be scheduled in accordance with his circumstances.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.