PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been rated at 70 percent since June 25, 2015. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms which include sleep disturbance, flashbacks, anxiety, hypervigilance, and anger issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is at least as likely as not related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain any form of substantially gainful employment since October 13, 2009. Prior to that date, he was still employed as a truck driver.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea, which may be secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder, will be addressed in the future.

For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran's PTSD was characterized by symptoms such as nightmares, continuous depression, a desire to isolate himself, feelings of hopelessness, occasional suicidal thoughts without attempt, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and anger and irritability. The Board found that these symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated as 30 percent disabling prior to January 15, 2015 and 50 percent since that date. The Board found the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any diagnostic code.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety and depression is rated at 30 percent prior to February 20, 2013, and at 50 percent from February 20, 2013 to August 25, 2016.,The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and further evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to May 14, 2012. From May 14, 2012 to April 8, 2015, the rating remained at 30 percent. As of April 8, 2015, a higher rating was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent since March 6, 2012, reflecting significant impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was granted, with a rating of 50% effective from February 27, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was received on July 11, 2006. New and material evidence was submitted within one year of the December 2007 rating decision denying his claim. The effective date for the grant of service connection is set at July 11, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The case will be referred to VA's Undersecretary for Compensation and Pension for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at 30 percent disabling, and the Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the criteria provided in the Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, skin disorder, back disorder, left knee disorder, and right wrist disorder are denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for his PTSD.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of PTSD, and thus the claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be established. The Veteran's hypertension was denied as secondary to diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that additional development is required due to outstanding VA mental health treatment records and a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the PTSD issue prior to a Board decision, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.