PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD with obesity claim is remanded due to unclear basis for including obesity in the evaluation. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD with obesity claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and TDIU is granted for the period prior to March 19, 2012.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to incomplete development of records and inadequate statement of reasons and bases for denying service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD causes impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, resulting in a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, hearing loss, and PTSD were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his conditions are not directly related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features, Anxiety Disorder not otherwise specified, and PTSD, is related to his service. The preponderance of evidence supports this finding.

The Veteran's lumbar radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities is rated at 40 percent since July 2, 2015. Service connection for anxiety, depression, and PTSD has been granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded his claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional evidence or attend VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective March 7, 2011. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

This appeal is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied because there is no current diagnosis of a hearing loss disability by VA standards.,The claims for emphysema with COPD and residuals of a spontaneous pneumothorax, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and PTSD are all remanded as the Veteran's symptoms have worsened since his last examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is granted service connection. The initial rating for tinnitus remains at 10%. The effective date for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is set at January 10, 2014. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition, and for additional development including obtaining an updated work history and VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, as his symptoms do not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 30 percent prior to February 2, 2015. After this date, his PTSD symptoms worsened and he was assigned a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened since his last VA examination in August 2014. The Board is remanding the case to obtain updated treatment records and schedule a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to PTSD was denied as he is not bedridden or in need of regular aid and assistance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence being added to the record after a Substantive Appeal was filed. The VA treatment records are relevant and must be considered in an SSOC.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was granted. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was denied. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, linked to PTSD, was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 50 percent prior to July 30, 2014. From April 8, 2016, a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD is granted.