PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination and additional development of the record, including obtaining any outstanding treatment records. The primary issues are an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent since August 29, 2008. The rating is denied as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to September 18, 2009 and increased to 50 percent effective from September 18, 2009.,The RO is considering both the initial rating for PTSD prior to September 18, 2009 and a higher rating on or after that date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent from June 15, 2004 to April 4, 2007 and at 70 percent from April 5, 2007 to December 27, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to December 5, 2011 resulted in symptoms such as depressed and/or anxious mood, restricted affect, irritability, exaggerated startle response, chronic sleep impairment, nightmares, few social relationships, and impaired work and social functioning. These symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, and psychosis NOS, is not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that the pre-existing psychiatric disorders did not increase in severity during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 4, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and his combined rating is at least 80 percent. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU are met from August 20, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of sufficient severity to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development including obtaining SSA records, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and psychosis not otherwise specified, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence related to his claimed stressors in service.

The Veteran's shell fragment wound residuals involving Muscle Group V are rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5305.,PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent and the Veteran seeks a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA/medical records. A VA examination will be scheduled to evaluate the status of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD or other psychiatric disorders that were incurred in service. The clinical evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no indication of such a condition during her military service or within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and TDIU were not addressed. The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to April 26, 2011, but granted a higher initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD since that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, and for a skin disability were denied as there is no credible evidence of the claimed stressors or any current diagnosed conditions being related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for review of additional evidence provided by a VA psychologist, and the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is now pending with the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and severity of his PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to October 16, 2008, is also addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 20, 2010, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.