PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. Additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders and right shoulder/arm disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be decided based on the current evidence and needs further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim of reopening her service connection claim for posttraumatic stress disorder is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone, along with additional disabilities rated at least 60 percent (chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus), meet the criteria for a TDIU. From May 19, 2010, he also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes, and hypertensive heart disease have been rated based on their individual service-connected conditions. The appeal for a TDIU has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been denied. The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum schedular rating for tinnitus.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible schedular rating of 70 percent, effective August 7, 2012. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective June 23, 2014.,She was granted a higher rating for her cervicogenic migraines.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD effective July 13, 2010. The Veteran's hypertension and kidney disorder are related to herbicide exposure, while hearing loss is not currently shown in either ear.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for head injury, bilateral leg sciatica, disability manifested by motion sickness and dizziness, tinnitus, bilateral glaucoma, bilateral cataracts, left eye detached retina (secondary to left eye cataracts), left hand disability (secondary to neck disability), right hand disability (secondary to neck disability), bilateral shoulder disability (secondary to neck disability), joint disability, neck disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (posttraumatic stress disorder) (secondary to service-connected lumbar spine disability), and sleep apnea have been denied. The Veteran withdrew these claims during his Board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the highest rating available under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The decision grants this increased rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the appropriate evaluation of his service-connected PTSD and its impact on his employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,The Veteran's right knee condition is currently rated at 10 percent, limited to flexion of 120 degrees with pain onset at 80 degrees. There is no limitation on extension.,Prior to June 24, 2014, the Veteran's left ankle condition was rated at 10 percent for moderate limitation of motion. Since then, it has been rated at 20 percent due to marked limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and conducting necessary medical and factual development.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and right ankle disorder.,Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) as it is at least as likely as not related to active duty service. The bilateral knee disorder is also found to be related to active duty service. However, the right ankle disorder is not shown to be related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him helpless or so nearly helpless that he requires the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of her service connection claim, including TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective January 19, 2012. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is granted.