PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of those related to urinary incontinence and residuals of TBI. The remaining conditions are found to be directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder and unspecified anxiety disorder resulted in occupational and social impairment prior to December 5, 2010. The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective from that date, which also constitutes TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with service connection for obstructive sleep apnea established and increased ratings for PTSD, asthma, right shoulder rotator cuff tear residuals, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) residuals, seborrheic dermatitis, and hypertension. The Veteran is also granted TDIU as of August 28, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore cannot establish service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The acquired psychiatric disorders, including polysubstance abuse and unspecified depressive disorder, are found to be less likely related to service-connected disabilities.

Throughout the rating period, the Veteran's PTSD with associated depressive and personality disorders has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was caused by events he experienced during his service in Vietnam. The Board found that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's basic eligibility for specially adapted housing was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities. The case is remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing on the issue of entitlement to automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected hypertension. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, adjustment disorder, and dissociative amnesia disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, specifically a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the cases are dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent from September 19, 2008 to August 28, 2013 and at 70 percent since April 8, 2015. The Veteran currently experiences significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to October 6, 2010 more nearly approximated a 50 percent rating. From October 6, 2010 onwards, they more nearly approximated a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to April 3, 2017 and denied for a higher rating. From April 3, 2017, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent and remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are etiologically related to his active duty service, granting the claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The right arm condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's asthma. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board granted a 70% rating for PTSD effective June 7, 2016, but found no total occupational and social impairment warranting the maximum 100% rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeals for hearing loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, and jaw condition (claimed as jaw pop) have been dismissed due to his requests to withdraw these appeals.