PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted based on his symptoms and impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since June 6, 2016. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in symptoms such as mood disturbances, sleep disturbances, panic attacks, and impairment of social and occupational functioning. The Board finds that a 70 percent disability rating is warranted for the entire appeals period.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive and panic disorder, along with his bilateral knee disabilities, have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful activity. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 23, 2006. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they did not meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to have begun in service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection. Service connection is also granted for PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder, as these conditions are related to his reported in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(3) and an addendum opinion on whether any psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted effective January 26, 1988 due to the submission of new evidence that supported a diagnosis of PTSD based on verified stressors.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss and PTSD have been granted service connection, while COPD has not. The right ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal. The claim for a compensable rating for residuals from laceration of the right kidney has not been met, and thus remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and conducting a VA examination.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as PTSD with major depressive disorder and cannabis use disorder in remission, has been granted a 70 percent rating from October 12, 2011 to February 20, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The TDIU claim is also denied as there is no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder prior to November 9, 2012 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as near-constant anxiety, a diminished affect, avoidance of crowds, chronic sleep impairment, difficulty establishing work and social relationships, and disturbances of motivation and mood. The Veteran's PTSD disability was rated at 30 percent prior to November 9, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 9, 2010. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from September 9, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing. Service connection will be reconsidered based on the new evidence provided.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The current rating of 50 percent is appropriate.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent between June 11, 2009 and August 25, 2016. Beginning on August 26, 2016, the Veteran's PTSD warranted a rating of up to 50 percent.