PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, left knee strain with arthralgia, and right knee strain with arthralgia. The acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service, the knee conditions were noted as chronic in service, and there is continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, PTSD symptomatology, bilateral hearing loss disability, and physical disabilities make it impossible for him to maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disorder, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, and PTSD. The claims are now remanded for further development including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with major depression is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and GAD, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to her in-service military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee chondromalacia, PTSD, and TDIU need to be remanded due to inadequate examinations and outstanding records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 100 percent, reflecting total occupational and social impairment due to persistent danger of hurting himself or others.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to November 30, 2015. From that date onwards, the rating was increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to November 29, 2013. The Veteran’s headache disability remains at a 50 percent rating throughout the appeal period. A separate rating for tinnitus associated with his headache disability is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have made it impossible for him to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment since December 21, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to a lack of evidence showing an informal claim prior to December 26, 2007.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision is based on insufficient evidence and requires further examination and review.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, auditory hallucinations, and difficulty adapting to stressful situations.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was granted. The appeals for cancer of the sinus and sleep apnea were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetic neuropathy have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since October 27, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for depression and entitlement to a TDIU are dismissed as they have been addressed in a final rating decision.

The Veteran's GERD is granted service connection as it had its onset during active duty. Service connection for PTSD and a chronic disability of the left leg muscle are denied.

The Board has dismissed all the issues related to service connection and rating for hypertension, lumbar spine disorder, PTSD, and TDIU due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings for PTSD has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on multiple shoulder and elbow conditions have been dismissed. The issues of increased rating for PTSD prior to August 22, 2012, are denied as the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating. As of August 22, 2012, the Veteran’s PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling.