PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is not shown to have been manifested by limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less or ankylosis.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment during the periods of April 27, 2009 to October 24, 2011; November 22, 2011 to August 8, 2012; and November 1, 2012 to December 30, 2012.

The Board has already determined that the Veteran's PTSD is part of his service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, so this claim for separate service connection for PTSD is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a rating of 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, major depressive disorder, and chronic adjustment disorder, due to a lack of verified in-service stressors or evidence of disease/injury during service.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been rated at 70 percent since October 9, 2014. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, and PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination or medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current psychiatric conditions and his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, effective as of April 30, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are related to his in-service sexual assault, and service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of a private medical opinion submitted after the Veteran's hearing. The appeal is not yet decided on the merits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and cramps due to lack of probative evidence supporting these conditions. The Veteran was not granted any new evaluations or benefits.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. As a result, the Board dismisses this issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 9411. The VA has determined that his condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including attempting to obtain military personnel records of Seaman D.P. and readjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in dismissal of all issues.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and addendum opinion are needed to clarify the Veteran's current diagnoses and their relationship to his service. The Veteran is also entitled to additional notice regarding his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder as due to military sexual trauma (MST).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and dysthymia are service-connected, with the PTSD being reopened based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. The Appellant's claims of PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a left shoulder disorder will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The symptoms do not result in both total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his military noise exposure. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded due to outstanding records.