PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, left knee disability, right knee disability, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety and depression). The claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset of these conditions in service or their relationship to service.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary depression is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for duodenal scarring with peptic ulcer disease, gastric reflux, and hiatal hernia was dismissed. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to June 21, 2013, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter is denied. A TDIU from June 4, 2009, is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to inadequate examinations, changes in symptoms since previous evaluations, and new evidence of worsening conditions. The claims will be reviewed again with additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection effective October 19, 2005 and a 70% disability rating has been assigned for the entire initial rating period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any current disabilities related to his claimed conditions and finds insufficient evidence to support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 50 percent prior to August 10, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating during this period. From August 10, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD warranted an increased rating to 70 percent. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU status.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorders, including chronic tinea pedis and matricectomies of the feet, are related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,PTSD has been linked to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to conflicting VA examination reports, lack of recent treatment records, and potential need for extra-schedular consideration. The Veteran will be provided with a new VA examination for his service-connected gunshot wound and PTSD.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD is granted. The effective date for service connection of PTSD is set at September 23, 2013. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted service connection, and his PTSD is granted a 50% rating effective from April 27, 2005. The TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The initial 30% PTSD rating prior to July 30, 2014 and the subsequent increased ratings have also been denied. The case is remanded due to issues with service connection.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status has been denied because his service-connected PTSD alone does not necessitate such benefits, as his need for assistance stems from his non-service connected dementia resulting from a motorcycle accident in 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available under the Rating Schedule. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent throughout the claims period, and he is granted a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and a need for an updated VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is also awarded TDIU. The Board has found that the Veteran’s PTSD warrants a rating above 70 percent but has been unable to schedule a new VA examination due to his testimony of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for further evaluation and to obtain VA treatment records. The Veteran should be scheduled for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

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

The Veteran was found unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, specifically PTSD. The Board granted a TDIU for the entire rating period on appeal.