PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for DDD and DJD of the cervical spine, as there is no evidence linking his current disability to his period of active duty. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from May 1, 2015 through March 10, 2016, based on symptoms of reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions are still pending.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective from October 16, 2013. Prior to this date, his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and his depression did not start during or as a result of service. Therefore, he is denied service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric condition and thus cannot establish service connection. The claim for service connection for asbestosis is pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest schedular evaluation (100%) since May 7, 1982.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not been shown to warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, and he is currently employed without unemployability due to his service-connected disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination and opinions regarding the severity of his service-connected psychiatric disability, as well as whether his alcohol abuse is secondary to or caused by his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as it is not factually ascertainable that he became unemployable more than one year prior to the date his claim was received in January 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, scars, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unemployable due to his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his hypertension, which substantially contributed to his death. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's spine disability is rated at 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The evidence does not support an increased rating due to unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.,Service connection has been denied for MDD with PTSD symptoms as there is no current diagnosis and the Veteran's symptoms are attributed to post-service factors.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as his attempts to reopen claims for sleeping disorder and hypothyroidism. The evidence does not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's respiratory disorders (COPD and asthma) are not related to his active service, as they are more likely due to his history of smoking.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to his active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, qualifying for a 70 percent disability rating since October 14, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for increased disability rating for migraine headaches was granted with a 50% rating effective February 2, 2007. The claim for TDIU was also granted with an effective date of February 5, 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective October 2, 2013. This rating reflects the severity of his symptoms and impairment in work and social functioning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD is related to an in-service stressor, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his migraine headaches and heat injury residuals, have been granted. He is now rated at 70% for the latter condition.