PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to have its onset during active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection, finding that the earliest possible effective dates were September 12, 2011 (PTSD), December 12, 2008 (headaches), and October 13, 2009 (left trapezius muscle strain).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation and consideration of his PTSD symptoms, including whether they are solely attributable to service-connected PTSD or another disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to June 17, 2010 and at 70 percent from June 17, 2010 until July 31, 2012. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met during these periods.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and injuries from gunshot wounds to his left thigh and shoulder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, resolving all doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 12, 2015. The Board finds that the symptoms of his PTSD have caused significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent prior to March 3, 2014. From March 19, 2007, the Veteran also received a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 22, 2008. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression causes total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with panic attacks is rated at 100 percent disabling since December 30, 1999. The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective January 5, 2010. The claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since April 15, 2011. The rating is denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to comply with its duty to assist in obtaining the Veteran's service personnel records and providing an adequate statement of reasons or bases when determining the probative weight of pertinent evidence. The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, which she claims was caused by sexual assault during active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's allegations of in-service stressors and abuse were not credible, and thus did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for neck and back disabilities, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to military service. The remaining claims have been remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's panic disorder with PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to January 2, 2013 and increased to 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that it does not warrant an increased disability rating in excess of this level for any period on appeal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, immune system disorder with mixed connective tissue disorder, lupus erythematous, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension and peripheral neuropathy are not presumed to be related to his military service or herbicide exposure.,Service connection for these conditions is denied as the evidence does not support a finding that they were incurred during service or due to herbicide exposure.