PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD. His PTSD results in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hearing loss and PTSD, render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and COPD are granted. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service, while his COPD is not considered service-connected due to a lack of evidence linking it to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective May 31, 2007. The Board found that the disability does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 22, 2010. The Board found that his symptoms have worsened and granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective from November 10, 2010.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was incurred in active military service due to a verbal altercation with a superior officer during his time as an active duty member. The presumption of soundness has not been rebutted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that an initial rating of 70 percent is warranted throughout the appeal period. The Veteran also had service connection for PTSD granted, but no specific rating or effective date was provided.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, are found to be related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have worsened, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to January 30, 2009. Beginning on that date, his PTSD continued to cause significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for various conditions, including right and left shin splints, a low back disorder, a cervical spine disorder, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than service-connected PTSD. The appeals were decided on the merits of the evidence presented.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability. The reopened claim, along with other issues on appeal, is remanded to the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to an effective date of July 29, 1982 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. This decision was based on the submission of additional evidence (a Department of Air Force record) after a previous denial in February 1985.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU for the period from August 15, 2005, to January 23, 2008, was granted by the Board in October 2009. The AMC effectuated this grant with a November 2009 rating decision, effective January 23, 2008.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder with psychosis and granted it, finding that new and material evidence had been received. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD was not productive of total social and occupational impairment prior to March 28, 2012, resulting in a denial of an initial rating in excess of 70 percent.