PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was denied, as the original claim for a nervous condition in 1986 implicitly denied any subsequent claims.,PTSD has been granted with a 70% evaluation since September 27, 2011. The Veteran is seeking a higher initial evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depression was denied as the evidence did not establish a diagnosis of PTSD, and the claimed psychiatric disorders are considered to be related to his in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran was provided a VA examination in March 2016 which did not consider his reported nightmares related to service. Additionally, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder NOS during the appeal period but no opinion on its etiology has been provided.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and maintain employment. The case will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, adjustment disorder, and anxiety, are not service-connected due to lack of credible supporting evidence for an in-service stressor involving military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest possible level of 70 percent, and he does not meet criteria for a higher rating. His other claims have been addressed but are pending further development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, for the entire claims period. Therefore, a rating of 70 percent is granted prior to March 26, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum VA medical opinion to address the significance of VA treatment records showing diagnoses of rule/out major depression, PTSD, and combat-related stress and anxiety prior to and during the appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and a cognitive disorder. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD made in accordance with DSM criteria, and there was no nexus between any current psychiatric disability and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since March 6, 2013.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for PTSD and TDIU have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed these matters as a result.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation as they are consistent with the criteria for a 70 percent rating but do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating due to occasional periods of remission and adequate social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board has granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent. The issue of entitlement to TDIU was reasonably raised during the hearing.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased evaluation of PTSD with anxiety disorder and TDIU. The Board is dismissing these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including severe osteoarthritis in his knees and degenerative joint disease of the spine, have rendered him unable to dress, feed himself, or perform daily activities without significant assistance. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance from another person.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and further evidentiary review.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, his current acquired psychiatric disorder is not considered service-connected as it does not meet the criteria for a valid diagnosis of PTSD or any other service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for a new VA psychiatric examination. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to May 6, 2014. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent rating are met and grants an initial 50 percent rating for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective July 29, 2010. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disability is also granted.