PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's PTSD has not met or approached the criteria for a disability rating higher than 70 percent. The RO denied his claim for a higher rating, finding that his PTSD produced severe but not total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has expanded the service connection claim for PTSD as reflected on the title page of this decision to include consideration of service connection for other possible psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety disorder. The case is being remanded for additional development including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new VA mental health examination.

The Veteran's claims for right rotator cuff disability, sleep apnea, colon polyps, chloracne (claimed as skin disability), and right shoulder lipoma were denied. The Veteran's claim for insomnia was granted due to its association with service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 9, 2009, and the Board denied an increased rating for this period. The issue of entitlement to a Total Disability Rating due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU) was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to September 18, 2012 was denied. The RO granted the claim from September 18, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 16, 2010. The Board has now granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective from the date of the June 2013 claim for increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective April 15, 2011. The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by impaired impulse control, impaired memory and cognitive ability, weekly panic attacks, paranoid and suicidal ideation, and disorientation as to time.,From July 13, 2009 to September 17, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at a 70 percent level.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The claim for TDIU was also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and associated depression and anxiety, are etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including an examination and review of his medical records to determine if a higher rating for anxiety can be granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's OSA is as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and grants service connection for OSA secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 21, 2010 for service connection of PTSD was granted. His claim for a compensable rating for bilateral high frequency hearing loss is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective December 14, 2005. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

During the period from September 24, 2000 to July 27, 2009, the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder (adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety, depression, and muscular tenderness of unclear etiology) more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,During the pendency of the appeal, service connection was established for cognitive dysfunction, status post TBI, effective July 27, 2009. The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for her service-connected psychiatric disorder and for a TDIU were received by VA on September 24, 2001.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not with deficiencies in most areas or total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a supplemental VA examination to address the in-service symptoms of headaches and fainting, which may be manifestations of her PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left Bell's palsy, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, preclude him from obtaining and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination and the provision of her VA treatment records. The issues include seeking an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of service connection. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the severity and impact of his PTSD.