PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) because there was no evidence showing that the Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to December 17, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of this claim.

The Veteran's PTSD did not result in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood from December 13, 2006, to May 17, 2012. The evidence does not reflect that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disability during this period.

Service connection for a left knee disorder is granted. A disability rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD is denied. Bilateral hearing loss and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural errors. The conditions of interest include dental issues, hallux valgus of the feet, pseudofolliculitis barbae, right ankle condition, varicocele condition, low back condition, left knee condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), headache condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, headache disability, hepatitis C, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), and hypertension. However, further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for spinal stenosis status-post lumbar laminectomy and PTSD due to incomplete records from SSA, VA medical records, and a need to obtain all relevant records. The Veteran's attorney pointed out that there are incomplete SSA records and recent VA medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The Board found that the symptoms did not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric condition, including PTSD. The claim for service connection will be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD, right ear hearing loss, chronic diarrhea, migraines, and vertigo are all granted as service-connected.,However, the rating for left ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B and C, an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for postoperative residuals of December 1999 VA lumbar spine surgery due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was found to have preexisted service and not been aggravated by service. For the acquired psychiatric disorder, the Board concluded that there is no evidence of a stressor in service sufficient to cause PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 50% evaluation for PTSD is granted, effective March 19, 2011. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence supported her claim and applied the benefit of doubt in her favor.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for gout was withdrawn by the Veteran.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were both denied as there is no evidence of current disability within one year after discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent rating for the period prior to January 5, 2010.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than anxiety and depression to include PTSD is remanded due to incomplete records and inconsistent statements from the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS).

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's PTSD claim. The effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus remains May 18, 2012.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorders is remanded. The neck condition rating appeal is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand five issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including rhinitis with itchy throat and pharyngitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), left knee disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral glaucoma.