PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for his right shoulder scars, bilateral toe scars, or resection of metatarsal heads. His hearing loss was rated appropriately under VA guidelines. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and anxiety) was granted as new and material evidence had been received since the last denial in 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since March 12, 2015 and prior to that time was rated at 50 percent. The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with IVDS has been rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since March 12, 2015 and prior to that time was rated at 50 percent. The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with IVDS has been rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, back disability, neck disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) were denied. The hearing loss claim was granted with a compensable rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records, scheduling a new VA examination for the right knee disorder, and considering the Veteran's claims again.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities are etiologically related to his active service. The claims for PTSD, bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety, and mood disorders have been remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD and TBI residuals have been rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent since March 26, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has again remanded the claim for additional development due to incomplete examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder was present at the time of his initial claim in February 1993, and thus grants an effective date of February 1, 1993, for the grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability, PTSD, and sleep apnea are all service-connected. The decision is based on credible medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Board found that the appellant does not have a current psychiatric disability causally related to his active service or any incident therein.

The Veteran's PTSD, since October 9, 2013, is rated at 50 percent disabling. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at a 70 percent disability rating since September 20, 2007, reflecting significant impairment in most areas of functioning.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 16, 2009 for the service connection awards of PTSD with anxiety and depression, headaches, and TBI. The Veteran's claims are denied for earlier effective dates.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) has ordered a remand due to unclear reasoning in the previous decision and issues regarding aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and MDD, is denied as there is no verified in-service stressor related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder. The evidence now shows that his current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his fear of hostile military activity during his service in Vietnam.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it. The case is also remanded to schedule a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service.

The Board has remanded both claims for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, conducting a VA examination, and providing an opinion on the relationship between any diagnosed conditions and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.