PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination to reconcile conflicting opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorders.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder was denied as there is no evidence of a service-connected psychiatric condition.

An initial, 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted. Increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and TDIU claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not meet the criteria for total social impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with occasional decreases in work efficiency, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The current 30 percent evaluation is upheld.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied as there was no CUE in the August 1989 rating decision, and the earliest possible effective date is April 30, 1996.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The appeal for a higher rating and TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD was not found to warrant a rating higher than 30 percent prior to April 18, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss has been dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for PTSD with major depressive disorder and TDIU.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure there is a complete record upon which to decide the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizophrenia, adjustment disorder and psychosis.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, as it is at least as likely as not that these conditions began during the appellant's military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to incomplete records, lack of proper notification for a VA examination, and need for updated information regarding employment status.

The Board has determined that the VA opinions of record are not adequate and the Veteran's failure to report for a scheduled examination. The claim is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% prior to February 12, 2013. From February 12, 2013 through January 4, 2016, he received a 50% rating. However, from January 5, 2016 onwards, his PTSD was rated as not meeting the criteria for any higher disability ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if his condition warrants a higher rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims for PTSD, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The cases are remanded for further development of records and consideration.

Service connection granted for tinnitus and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, with a 10% rating assigned. PTSD is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 70%, but TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective September 10, 2018. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective November 8, 2014.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Agoraphobia, is granted as service connected. The Board found an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding the onset of these conditions during service.