PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has decided that an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is remanded due to the need for a new examination and further assessment.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of his PTSD was withdrawn by the Veteran and his representative in a May 2018 statement, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's PTSD rating was reduced from 100% to 70%, but this reduction is void ab initio due to improper procedural steps, and the original 100% rating for PTSD has been restored.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The Board denied a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The claims to reopen service connection for diabetes, heart disease, lower extremity neurological disabilities, and acquired psychiatric disability are granted. The issues of entitlement to service connection for these conditions remain remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection of the listed conditions, thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a cervical spine disability and sleep disorder has been withdrawn.,The request to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension has been granted, but the issue remains remanded due to lack of evidence linking hypertension to service.

The Veteran's entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is granted since February 28, 2017 due to having a single service-connected disability rated as 100 percent and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and development due to worsening symptoms of PTSD. The TDIU issue is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of whether the character of the Appellant’s discharge is a bar to VA benefits. The case is now remanded for further development, including obtaining an opinion regarding the Appellant's state of mind at the time of his AWOL.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder is granted. The initial rating for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss remains at noncompensable (0%). A higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied. Service connection for a lumbar spine disorder is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus, type II. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as new and material evidence was submitted showing a current diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and bipolar type. However, the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II remains denied as no new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board has decided the case in favor of the Veteran, finding sufficient evidence to warrant a VA examination and remanding for further action.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made on the remaining issues, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent since June 23, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as her symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 70% or 100% disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's cholecystectomy and PTSD were both granted service connection. The decision is based on the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and PTSD have been rated at 70 percent since August 8, 2017. The rating is denied as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's back injury and PTSD, which may have contributed to his hypertension and death. The VA is required to obtain additional medical opinions and develop records related to these issues.