PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's dysthymia with PTSD is currently rated at the maximum allowable schedular disability rating of 70 percent. No higher ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for all issues, including service connection for PTSD and back disability. The decision did not address the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea must be remanded due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders, including adjustment disorder and PTSD, are related to in-service stressors. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated VA mental health treatment records and a new VA examination.

From December 2, 2009, to January 6, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD resulted in significant social and occupational impairment.,Since January 6, 2011, the Veteran exhibited severe symptoms of PTSD including suicidal ideation, anger, depression, withdrawal from family members, isolation, a lack of interest in activities, feelings of detachment and estrangement, severe insomnia, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response, difficulty carrying out some activities of daily living.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to October 14, 2011 did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the grant of service connection in July 2010, and no higher rating is warranted based on current symptomatology.

The Veteran's service connection claim for major depressive disorder is granted. The issue of service connection for PTSD remains on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied, but service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) was granted. The acquired psychiatric disability is as likely as not attributable to the events and circumstances of his active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially granted and rated at 30 percent prior to September 10, 2014.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of September 27, 1995 for the award of service connection for PTSD based on new evidence confirming a verified in-service stressor. The Veteran's claim was reopened due to this new information.

The Veteran's SMC is currently at the 'm' rate based on his service-connected Parkinson's disease and PTSD. The Board has ordered additional development to consider whether he should be rated higher due to need for aid and attendance based solely on PTSD, or if he meets criteria for loss of use of lower extremities.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, that had its clinical onset in or is otherwise related to his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment as of June 16, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since January 14, 2014. The rating reflects the severity of his symptoms including suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and inability to establish effective relationships.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than anxiety disorder, to include PTSD. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD under DSM-IV or DSM-V.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent under the schedular criteria, but not higher, throughout the period of the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective August 12, 2012. The rating reflects the severity of symptoms including suicidal ideation and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this disability. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.