PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's left ankle disability and PTSD have been granted service connection. The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the neck, low back, and hypertension issues.,The Veteran’s claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and hypertension disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and/or depression) are related to service, but further medical opinions are needed to determine if these conditions are caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted on October 27, 2015. The Board determined that the effective date should be October 27, 2015, as this is later than when he filed his initial claim for insomnia in July 2012 and did not file a claim for PTSD at that time.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating and TDIU due to service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD is denied as there was no prior claim filed before July 23, 2012.,Service connection for a right foot disability and neck disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development, including a VA mental health examination and additional medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for an updated diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding a current diagnosis of PTSD and the need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent and a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, as well as his claim for TDIU due to inadequate development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and major depression, is denied as there was no in-service disease or injury that caused the current conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's alcohol use disorder and PTSD are not service-connected, with the former being denied secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30%.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total social and occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating. The appeal for TDIU is dismissed as moot.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development, including a VA mental health examination and additional medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for an updated diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria.

The Veteran was found unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected PTSD prior to January 18, 2007.

The Veteran's migraine headaches were restored to a 30 percent rating, effective February 5, 2016. Other ratings remained unchanged.

The Veteran's tinnitus and left shoulder strain claims are granted. The increased rating for the left shoulder strain claim is denied, but the service connection claims for diastasis recti, umbilical hernia, sleep disorder (including insomnia and loss of sleep), and posttraumatic stress disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling for the period prior to December 31, 2010. For the period from December 31, 2010, a 70 percent rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU was denied.

The Board denied reopening of the claim for PTSD because the new evidence submitted was not considered new and material, as it was cumulative and redundant. The Veteran's allegations were previously found to be untrue by the Board in April 2000.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his ability to maintain personal care and hygiene, work, and family relationships.