PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD prior to October 7, 2016 did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal was denied across multiple issues, including PTSD, cervical spine disability, right and left knee disabilities, thoracolumbar spine disability, tinnitus (hearing loss), right hand 5th metacarpal fracture, right foot heel spur, scars of the hands and knees, dermatitis of the feet, and tension headaches. The appeal was not about service connection for any conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, type II diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), residuals of mole removal, skin rash, right knee disability, and hernia disability, status post appendectomy are all service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the effective dates being May 28, 2010 for tinnitus and September 12, 2016 for PTSD. The grant of service connection was based on presumptive exposure to herbicides (gulf war).

The Veteran's initial 50 percent rating for residuals of a hysterectomy was reduced to 30 percent effective February 1, 2015 due to clear and unmistakable error. The Veteran is now entitled to restoration of the 50 percent rating.,For the entire rating period, the Veteran's lumbar spine disability approximated a 40 percent rating based on limitation of motion and functional loss due to pain, with consideration of flare-ups and lack of endurance. An initial 50 percent rating is granted for this condition.,The acquired psychiatric disorder has not met the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, MDD and adjustment disorder, are found to be service-connected as the evidence shows a current diagnosis, an in-service stressor verified by the RO, and a link between the current symptoms and the verified stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has not more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Board has requested a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Depressive Disorder. The current appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his in-service experiences, including a reported attack on a convoy by German submarines. As the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are service-connected, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to ensure compliance with its duty to notify the Veteran of alternative means of proving a claim of entitlement to service-connected PTSD based on a personal assault stressor.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The examiner is requested to provide opinions on whether there is clear and unmistakable evidence that any diagnosed psychiatric disorders existed prior to service and were not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be secondary to her service-connected PTSD, and thus she is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and right knee disorder were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective June 9, 2004. The Board found that the appropriate date for his claim was June 9, 2004, when he requested to reopen his service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and alcohol dependence is denied as there is no verified stressor, the diagnosis of PTSD does not meet the criteria for service connection, and his alcohol dependence was due to willful misconduct. The claim for a compensable disability rating for onychomycosis of the bilateral feet is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not caused total social and occupational impairment, warranting a rating in excess of 70 percent. The current rating of 70 percent is appropriate.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for GAD and PTSD, finding that his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran was assigned a 30 percent rating effective from August 22, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for PTSD and TDIU is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence. The issues are inextricably intertwined, so a determination on TDIU will be deferred until the increased evaluation claim is resolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, verifying reported stressors, and scheduling a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorder(s) and bilateral foot disorders.