PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected MDD with PTSD has been evaluated at 50 percent prior to February 3, 2016 and 70 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The Veteran claimed he experienced stressors related to Vietnam service but VA determined there was no combat service in Vietnam and insufficient evidence to verify his reported stressors.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is rated at 70 percent, effective February 25, 2015. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have increased in frequency and severity since his last examination, due to employment issues, alcohol abuse, and hospitalization for substance abuse.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD due to a verified in-service stressor, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, and the effective date is set to August 15, 1969, based on new evidence of a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD or a peripheral nerve disorder of the upper and lower extremities. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed depressive disorder, NOS. The case will be returned for further development and an addendum opinion.

The Board has granted the reduction in disability ratings for PTSD and lumbar strain, but denied discontinuance of SMC based on housebound criteria.

The Veteran's tinnitus was caused by in-service exposure to excessive and harmful noise, resulting in service connection being granted for this condition. The issues of PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and ADHD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective February 23, 2017. The disability has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent disabling, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate given his symptoms of depression, anxiety, difficulty in social relationships, but no total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is being remanded to allow the VA to adjudicate a secondary service connection claim related to his PTSD. The primary issue remains whether he incurred injuries during service and if those injuries are connected to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral upper extremity disorder, to include PTSD and right hand disorder, has been reopened. The initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD is maintained as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Service connection for a chest scar is granted. However, the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, arm, and left hand arthritis are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and he was unable to establish TDIU based on his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is granted. His diabetes mellitus, type II, currently rated at 20 percent, remains unchanged as the evidence does not support a higher rating. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for his cataracts and ischemic optic neuropathy prior to October 14, 2014, and a rating in excess of 30 percent thereafter is addressed in the remand portion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to May 31, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating due to total occupational and social impairment. A TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, with the evidence being in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.