PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records and ensure all requested development has been completed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, as he has been employed for over 20 years and plans to work until age 66.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating more than 50 percent for PTSD and TDIU for the period prior to June 27, 2014 due to an incorrect staged rating in the February 2017 decision. The issues are now inextricably intertwined.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, personality disorder, and impulse control disorder. The Veteran should be provided with a VA examination to determine the etiology of her acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as they do not result in total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran is granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol and cocaine dependence has rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for herpes simplex virus and tinea pedis is denied. The Board has also remanded the cases of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), and rating for tinea pedis from September 25, 2015 onwards.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted due to worsening symptoms since his last examination in March 2016. The case is being remanded for further development including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The appeal for an earlier effective date for the 100% evaluation of PTSD and sleep disorder is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, but only occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as mood swings, agitation, and impaired concentration. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling. The claim for a TDIU has been granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a left hip disability.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, as his current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the claims for an initial compensable evaluation for anxiety disorder and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities because there is insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's mental health conditions. A new VA examination is needed, and the issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for further development and opinion regarding the Veteran's left hip condition and acquired psychiatric disorders, other than PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for PTSD is denied because there is no evidence that the criteria for such a rating were met within one year prior to his January 27, 2014 claim.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and anxiety have been reopened due to new evidence. However, the claim for asthma has not been reopened.,The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and TDIU due to PTSD are being remanded as the VA has not obtained all relevant medical records from the Chillicothe VAMC. The Veteran is also asked to provide any additional private medical records that may be pertinent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, Major Depression, and Anxiety related to his combat service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a TDIU rating. The AOJ should request any outstanding medical records and lay statements from the Veteran to support his claim.