PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as his service-connected PTSD did not meet the criteria for extraschedular consideration due to his employment with his son, which is considered marginal employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, Diabetes Mellitus, and Peripheral Neuropathy) have rendered him unemployable since February 9, 2009. However, the Board denied entitlement to Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) as no single disability has caused his unemployability.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are related to his active service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as other specified trauma, stressor related disorder, intermittent explosive disorder and PTSD, was incurred during active service. The Board granted the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from September 5, 2012. The appeal is now remanded for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU prior to that date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to April 4, 2014 and granted a rating of 70 percent. The back disorder was rated at 10 percent prior to May 5, 2015 and granted a rating of 20 percent. Right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as noncompensable prior to May 5, 2015 and granted a rating of 20 percent. Hemorrhoids were rated as noncompensable prior to July 7, 2015 and granted a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining relevant medical records. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered after the additional evidence has been obtained.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a skin disability, other than of the legs and feet, to include as due to Agent Orange exposure is dismissed.,The claim to reopen the issue of service connection for skin rash of the legs and feet, to include as due to Agent Orange exposure, has been denied.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, vertigo, and increased evaluation for bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The claim for TDIU is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD was granted with an effective date of June 13, 1980. The original claim was filed on June 13, 1980 and new and material evidence was received within one year of the February 1981 rating decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 30 percent disabling from October 1, 2009 to June 1, 2014 (excluding the period of a temporary total rating), and as 50 percent disabling from June 1, 2014 to September 26, 2014. The Veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation at any point during this time.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. However, this claim is being remanded for further development as an additional VA examination is needed to determine if any currently or previously diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has resulted in occupational and social impairment that warrants a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been granted service connection, and his PTSD is rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines. The hearing loss claim remains pending, as does the TDIU issue.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a verified in-service stressor for PTSD and his current acquired psychiatric disorder, other than anxiety disorder and to include depression, is not service connected.

The Veteran's PTSD has caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% rating effective February 25, 2010.,Effective September 14, 2014, the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation at the housebound rate due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss were denied, while his claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Affective Disorder are at least as likely as not related to service, specifically his experience in Somalia where he was attacked by Somalian soldiers. The diagnosis of PTSD is supported by lay testimony and corroborated military personnel records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and service personnel records.