PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse, panic attacks, and sleep disturbance was found to be less severe than the previously assigned ratings of 70 percent prior to May 13, 2016, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board has granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating prior to September 19, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development and needs further review by a physician with expertise on herbicide exposure. The Veteran's GERD may be related to his in-service exposure, but more evidence is needed.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU from September 28, 2010 to September 8, 2013 due to his service-connected asthma and PTSD. Prior to this period, he was gainfully employed full-time at the credit union.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest in service or within one year of separation from service and is not otherwise related to service. The claim for secondary service connection was also denied as there was no evidence linking the Veteran's hypertension to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that there is no current psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, for which service connection can be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including anxiety disorder and depressive disorder. The evidence did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as per DSM-IV or DSM-V.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorders. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's PTSD claim, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging a new examination. The TDIU claim will be considered in conjunction with the increased rating claim.

The Board denied service connection for depression with sleep problems, night sweats, and suicidal ideation as secondary to PTSD. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to March 10, 2017, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his unemployment is due to leukemia diagnosis and treatment. The TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment, which is required for a 100% disability rating.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD, but did find credible evidence that the Veteran experienced traumatic events during service. However, the most persuasive medical opinion concluded he does not have PTSD. The Veteran was diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorders, but not PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, Bipolar II disorder, and Depression is being remanded due to incomplete information and need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, migraine headaches and bilateral high frequency hearing loss have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of the date of his May 22, 2012 claim for an increased rating.,PTSD is rated at 70 percent from April 30, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and left hip disability were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical evidence and conduct an examination to assess the combined impact of the Veteran's service-connected conditions on his employment capacity. The appeal is currently in process.

The Veteran requested to withdraw her appeal for service connection for pancreatitis before the Board could issue a decision. The remaining issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and unexplained bleeding are remanded.