PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved issues regarding service connection for PTSD, Chronic Widespread Pain Syndrome, and Respiratory Issues.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have current PTSD caused by a verified in-service stressor and his diagnosed psychiatric disorder was not related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from July 10, 2008. Effective December 3, 2015, the Veteran experiences significant deficiencies as a result of his PTSD, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD with depression and TDIU was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased rating for PTSD, which was granted a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and examination to determine if he meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD, mood disorder, and panic disorder.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the initial rating for PTSD, resulting in the dismissal of this matter.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him. The Board finds that a TDIU rating is warranted throughout the appeal period.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection of back, left knee, PTSD, anxiety disorder, right shoulder disability, and hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus. The underlying issues are addressed in the remand section.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not include loss or permanent use of one or both feet, hands, vision, a severe burn injury, or ALS. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, providing an opinion on direct service connection for fibromyalgia, and issuing a statement of the case regarding PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluation of PTSD, service connection for urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, and TDIU have all been denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD and found that his disability picture during this period is better represented by a 50 percent rating. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability due to service-connected disability was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 9411. The symptoms described align with the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to January 22, 2014.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and hypertension. The Veteran's PTSD claim was denied due to lack of a diagnosis, while the hypertension claim is pending as it may be secondary to his service-connected schizophrenia.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling from April 10, 2012 onward. The rating reflects the severity of his symptoms and impairment in most areas such as work, family relations, thinking, and mood.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for increases in the 'staged' ratings assigned for PTSD because he failed to provide necessary information and releases for private psychiatric treatment records, which are critical evidence needed to adjudicate his claim. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia, combined with her other disabilities, necessitates the need for regular aid and attendance of another person as of August 28, 2013. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.