PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was granted. The Board found that the Veteran met the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and established a link between his in-service stressors and his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and for a VA examination. The issues include seeking higher ratings for PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to November 21, 2015 and the criteria for a higher rating are not met. For the period from November 21, 2015 onwards, he is rated at 50 percent. The claim remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD began in service and continues to persist, meeting all criteria for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities and for an earlier effective date for service connection for a chronic right knee strain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for both PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 23, 2015. The rating is effective as of that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder other than paranoid schizophrenia. The Veteran's pulmonary disorder was not manifest in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to such service. The Veteran's skin disorder to include dermatitis was not manifest in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to such service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are related to his combat experiences during service, particularly his time in Vietnam. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, has been rated at 70 percent since June 18, 2014. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 28, 2007 for service connection of PTSD was denied as there is no evidence that a claim was filed earlier.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding the Veteran's PTSD and his failure to timely file a substantive appeal. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant treatment records, particularly those from December 2007, and provide a medical opinion on the severity of the Veteran's PTSD during the specified time period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 90% for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU before March 15, 2009 and denied an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD has caused total occupational and social impairment since November 4, 2010. The rating of 70 percent is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure compliance with the directives and provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, thyroid cyst, sleep apnea, and arthritis. The decision found that the Veteran's current diagnoses were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not result in a total occupational and social impairment, so the claim for an initial rating higher than 70 percent is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 14, 2010, and the Board found that this rating is appropriate for the entire appeal period.