PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was also denied as his service-connected disability did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence is rated at 50 percent, effective June 6, 2012. The Board granted a higher rating to 70 percent for the entire appeal period. However, he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude all work-type activity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and dysthymic disorder, a bilateral ankle disorder, migraine headaches, right wrist arthritis, and neurological symptoms in the left lower extremity. The Board found insufficient credible supporting evidence to corroborate the claimed in-service stressors of MST or personal assault, and concluded that there was no diagnosis of PTSD based on these stressors. The Veteran's depressive disorder is not service connected.

The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymic disorder is rated at 70 percent disabling since May 27, 2004. The rating agency found that the Veteran's symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment but not total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection (November 15, 2008). The Board found that his symptoms warranted this rating throughout the appeal period. However, a TDIU remains pending as employment history and current employability are unclear.

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

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a respiratory condition due to asbestos exposure in service.

The Veteran's appeal to have an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was dismissed as a freestanding claim, not meeting the pleading and filing requirements for a CUE (claim of clear and unmistakable error) claim.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to new and material evidence. The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD contributed substantially to his death, and grants the claim.

The Board has granted a total rating of 100 percent for the Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder, effective May 16, 2016. The Veteran also received an initial compensable rating for his bilateral flat feet and was awarded SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(i)(1).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of unit records and payroll records, which may contain information about the Veteran's service in Lebanon. The Veteran is requested to provide any additional evidence or argument.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Atrial Fibrillation have rendered him unemployable, as his disabilities prevent him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximated that of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity for the period prior to June 18, 2014. For the period beginning June 18, 2014, the disability picture more closely approximated deficiencies in most areas.

The Board found that the appellant did not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, diabetic retinopathy, or peripheral neuropathy due to service connection. The stressors claimed by the appellant were determined to be the result of willful misconduct and thus do not qualify as in-service stressors for PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and that this condition is related to his military service, including witnessing SCUD missile attacks while deployed in the Persian Gulf.

The Board found that there is no competent and credible evidence to corroborate the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors, thus he does not have a diagnosis of PTSD based on verified in-service stressor. As such, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since October 22, 2010. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU effective from the same date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his right knee disability and acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral shin splints has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and PTSD are remanded for further development.