PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability for the period from September 3, 2014 to January 29, 2015.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is rated at 40 percent since March 9, 2017. The Board denied an extraschedular evaluation for the combined effects of diabetes and posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is found to be incurred in service, resolving all reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and MDD, was granted a 70% rating effective May 3, 2016. Service connection for a right hip disability is not warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from September 19, 2016. The rating reflects significant impairment in social functioning and occupational productivity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to missing adjudicatory, evidentiary, and procedural documents. The case will be returned for a complete record review.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination using DSM-5 criteria.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and found no evidence of service connection for a right or left knee disability. The issue of ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure remains pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board also found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his combat experiences in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability claimed as arthritis, an initial compensable rating for residuals of a laceration of the right wrist, and an initial compensable rating for residuals of a stab wound to the abdomen. The appeal to reopen service connection for HIV infection was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to January 19, 2011. The symptoms did not cause deficiencies in most areas or total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not approximated the criteria for a higher disability rating, and thus his initial 50 percent rating remains in effect.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and for readjudication of his TDIU claim.

The Board has granted an effective date of October 21, 2010 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claim was advanced on the docket and his informal claim for service connection for PTSD was received on that date.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 and PTSD are service connected due to exposure in Vietnam. The psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is also service-connected.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, specifically a sexual assault he experienced while in service. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD/depressive disorder was granted a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The other issues on appeal were either denied or not addressed in this decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records, as well as scheduling a VA mental health examination.