PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD, as the last examination was too remote in time. The Veteran contends that his symptoms are more consistent with a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent disabling from October 26, 2011 to September 5, 2013. From September 6, 2013 to July 26, 2017, the rating increased to 50 percent. Since July 27, 2017, the Veteran is rated at 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral wrist conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: a request for an increased disability rating for PTSD and seeking an earlier effective date. The case is being remanded to obtain updated medical records, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination, and readjudicate the claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted entitlement to this disability, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for DDD of the lumbar spine was dismissed. The claims for service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD were also dismissed. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his reported in-service stressors are related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity and have been found to be consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of his service. The Veteran's current symptoms of PTSD are also found to be related to these in-service stressors.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities are each rated at the minimum compensable level. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the maximum available rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability has been manifested by symptoms that have resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is evaluated at a 70 percent rating from August 1, 2012, to February 19, 2013, and from April 1, 2013. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD with depressive and anxiety symptoms as a result of military service. Her right hand laceration injury is rated at 30 percent from February 15, 2014 to April 18, 2016.,The Veteran's right hand laceration has been manifested by complaints including pain, numbness, and weakness; objectively, it has been manifested in mild symptoms prior to February 15, 2014, moderate symptoms from February 15, 2014 to April 18, 2016, and mild symptoms thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is denied as he does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus is denied due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anorexia nervosa, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The left knee disability is secondary to the right knee condition. Service connection for the initial rating in excess of 10 percent for internal derangement right knee, status post partial lateral meniscectomy, is denied.

The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorders, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70% since January 1, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and adjustment reaction with mixed emotion is being remanded due to the need for additional development of the record.

The Board previously granted service connection for anxiety disorder. As the issue of an acquired psychiatric disorder is encompassed by this grant, and a full grant of benefits has been implemented, no case or controversy remains within the Board's jurisdiction.