PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU rating prior to September 27, 2013. The Board has remanded the case for additional development including obtaining clarification of employment history and providing an opinion on the functional impairment caused solely by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently service-connected, but the cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability have not been established as service-connected.,Service connection for the acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD) has been granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected PTSD. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is also addressed and will be remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling since February 26, 2009. The symptoms described are indicative of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Board hearing. The claims of service connection and increased ratings are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, including any interrelated schizophrenia.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and additional records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner must address whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are directly due to military service based on in-service stressors provided by the Veteran and his buddy statement.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective January 16, 2015. The rating reflects the Veteran's occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as flattened affect, circumstantial speech, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or being permanently housebound was denied as there is no evidence of blindness, incapacity requiring care or assistance, or substantial confinement to his dwelling.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The case is now REMANDED for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has not manifested to a degree of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has determined that additional development is needed before this claim can be decided.

The Veteran's mood disorder, claimed as PTSD due to military sexual trauma, has been productive of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated findings for his bilateral hearing loss, hepatitis C, and injury to Muscle Group XII. The issue of increased rating for PTSD requires a medical opinion on the effects of any substance abuse disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's tinnitus is causally and etiologically linked to his active service noise exposure, and thus grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left foot disability, dental trauma, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (insomnia, depression, anxiety, PTSD). He also seeks increased ratings for his lower back and right shoulder disabilities. Additionally, he requests TDIU.,The Veteran has filed a claim for service connection due to a dental trauma in service. The VA treatment records from the Perkins Dental Clinic and Dr. Kim's office have not been obtained yet.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (insomnia, depression, anxiety, PTSD). He also seeks increased ratings for his lower back and right shoulder disabilities. Additionally, he requests TDIU.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for a neck disability. The VA treatment records from Dr. Kim have not been obtained yet.,The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his lower back disability. An additional examination is needed to determine the extent of pain and loss of function during motion.,The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his right shoulder disability. An additional examination is needed to determine the extent of pain and loss of function during motion. The examiner should also consider whether there are any flare-ups that cause additional functional loss.,The Veteran is seeking TDIU. He has not provided updated information on his employment status since the last VA adjudication.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was granted service connection. Service connection for left elbow, left shoulder, right ankle, and right knee disorders were denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or a service-connected disability. Service connection for thoracolumbar spine disorder, testicular pain, chest pain (costochondritis), stomach pain, and headaches was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's TBI and PTSD are related to her service, warranting a grant of service connection for both conditions.