PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to September 26, 2014. The Board granted entitlement to TDIU based on the severity of his disabilities.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, denied reopening of a previously denied claim for left-hand condition, and denied service connection for left-arm condition as secondary to left-hand condition.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and PTSD, finding no evidence of in-service injury or stressor. The Veteran's diagnoses were established post-service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and is now granted. The claims for service connection for dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder are also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent since October 30, 2009. The claim for additional compensation benefits for his spouse has been granted but the effective date of November 1, 2009 was established based on the Compensation Rate Table. The initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to August 24, 2016 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than October 19, 2012 for the grants of service connection of PTSD, dyshidrotic eczema of the hands, and thoracolumbar spine strain are being remanded due to a missing VA medical record indicating an informal claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability.,His back disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to July 29, 2014 and then granted a 20 percent rating effective from that date. The radiculopathy of his lower extremities has been rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran withdrew all his appeals, including those related to diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, hearing loss, PTSD, hypertensive vascular disease, and vision problems associated with diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board found it does not warrant a higher rating due to occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a duodenal ulcer disability and PTSD as they require further examination and development. The Veteran will need to provide his complete service personnel file, updated VA treatment records, and any relevant medical evidence showing a diagnosed psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, had its onset during service and is related to an in-service injury or event. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent has been denied. The hypertension claim has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD and TDIU due to lack of recent VA examination, failure to appear at scheduled examination, and need for updated treatment records. The Veteran will be asked to complete a VA Form 21-8940 and undergo a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of migraine headaches, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a new examination to address the full scope of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders and their possible relationship to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, effective from September 2014. Additionally, the Veteran was granted a TDIU based on her service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development of evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and a need for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective October 14, 2016. The rating remains in effect for the entire duration of the appeal.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and service connection for PTSD is granted. The issue of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has been raised and requires further examination.