PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating. The Veteran also does not meet the criteria for TDIU as he has one disability rated at least 40% and his combined evaluation is less than 70%. His other disabilities are not sufficient to bring his combined evaluation to 70%.

The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date for the grant of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the earliest effective date was August 10, 2011.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder and PTSD have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 100 percent. The TBI has been rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 12, 2012 is being remanded as the evidence shows he has been unable to work due to service-connected disabilities since at least December 2010.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. However, the issue of whether PTSD is related to military sexual trauma during service remains pending as a remand is required to obtain an updated VA examination using DSM-V criteria.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for service connection for sleep apnea prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an opinion regarding any medication used to treat service-connected conditions and their potential contribution to the Veteran's death. The appeal will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeals for higher disability ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as the appeal was withdrawn prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent evaluation prior to September 17, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have only mild or transient symptoms, resulting in a 50% rating. The cases for levoscoliosis (back condition), left wrist post-surgery, right wrist trauma with DJD, and bilateral knee conditions are all remanded due to inadequate examinations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is rated at 100 percent due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board dismissed the issue of entitlement to an effective date earlier prior to February 13, 2013 for service connection of PTSD due to the appellant's withdrawal request. The case is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran’s PTSD.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, need further development. The case will be sent back to VA for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD due to military sexual trauma is denied because there is no corroborated stressor evidence linking the condition to any incident of service.

The Board has remanded the claims for a bilateral hip condition and PTSD due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions. The Veteran's service records do not mention any hip or mental health issues, but his statements and those of his family members support his allegations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran had a mental health disability at the time of his death and if it was related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was set at April 14, 2011.

The claim of service connection for tinnitus is granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his combined impact of service-connected disabilities and resulting occupational impairment.