PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from March 20, 2017. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 due to lack of recent medical records, particularly those from 2007 to 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for high blood pressure and GERD are remanded due to the need for a statement of the case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD and tinnitus, finding that VA did not receive a claim prior to February 5, 2015.

The Board has remanded two issues: the first is to determine if a higher initial rating for PTSD can be granted, and the second is to establish an effective date prior to August 15, 2014, for the award of service connection for PTSD.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, PTSD, and psychiatric disorder due to new evidence showing a link between these conditions and the Veteran's service-connected migraines and bilateral plantar fasciitis. However, the claim remains pending as the merits of the secondary service connection have not been decided.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), finding that the Veteran's current MDD is at least as likely as not causally related to her military service. The claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the November 2007 rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral feet and heel disability, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are all granted. However, the claim for service connection for skin cancer is remanded due to lack of medical opinion on its relation to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment since 2003, but the remand is needed to clarify when these symptoms began and when they caused total impairment.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected PTSD and Parkinson’s disease did not contribute substantially or materially to his death by stroke. The Board also found no evidence linking herbicide exposure to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent prior to August 5, 2016. Beginning on August 5, 2016, the rating was increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, which includes PTSD, mood disorder, and polysubstance abuse disorder, is rated at 70 percent. This rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, are found to be related to their service in Somalia. Service connection is granted.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, finding no credible supporting evidence that any claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and a psychotic disorder. The issues of service connection for these conditions are remanded due to insufficient evidence in the current record.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to January 22, 2007, resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and difficulty establishing effective relationships. The Board granted a 50% evaluation for this period.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and medical opinions regarding the service connection of PTSD, including its secondary relationship to headaches.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of PTSD and Epileptic Seizure Disorder. The decision also denied a compensable rating prior to March 9, 2016, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for bilateral hearing loss.