PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for status-post surgery of the 4th MTP joint of the left foot and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions worsened during his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure and follow gainful employment, thus his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied.

The Veteran's representative withdrew the appeal regarding increased ratings for PTSD, leading to the dismissal of the case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or stressor events.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to September 23, 2013 and remanded for further development. The Board found the symptoms more nearly approximated a 50 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, dysthymia, and PTSD, has been reopened. The issue is now remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction are not rated higher than the current levels.,PTSD was granted service connection in 2012, but an earlier effective date is denied due to lack of prior claims.

The Veteran's claim for improved pension benefits was denied as his income exceeded the maximum allowable pension rate. The Board found that the Veteran’s countable annual income, after deducting medical expenses, exceeded $16,051 and therefore did not meet the criteria for nonservice-connected pension.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD and depressive disorder) are remanded. The Board found that further efforts should be made to verify the stressor events and obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant due to his respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted. The appeals regarding the evaluation of PTSD and remand for additional examinations are noted.

The Veteran's PTSD, MDD, and GAD are found to be related to in-service stressors, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for Personality Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 1, 2013. From January 25, 2018, the rating is denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for thrombophlebitis, right lower extremity, and a higher rating for PTSD have been remanded due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Board has restored a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's head scar, finding that there was no material improvement in his condition and that the reduction was improper.,The Veteran's migraines are rated at 30%, with very frequent but not completely prostrating attacks. The Board found this to be insufficient for a higher rating.,A new VA examination is required for the left knee condition due to inadequate previous examinations, as per Correia v. McDonald (2016).,The Veteran's PTSD and TBI are rated at 50%, with very frequent but not completely prostrating attacks. The Board found this to be insufficient for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine whether the Veteran meets the DSM-V criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, personality disorder, and adjustment disorder. The Veteran's service connection claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding her diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, but denied service connection for right hip injury. The appeal is remanded to determine the etiology of the Veteran's PTSD and any other psychiatric disorders.