PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected PTSD and residuals of a pilonidal cystectomy make him unemployable.

The Board has revised the July 2003 rating decision to grant service connection for PTSD with an effective date of February 11, 1981.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, resulted in significant occupational and social impairment prior to May 31, 2011. The VA found that the condition warranted a disability rating of 70 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is presumed to have pre-existed service and thus not incurred in or aggravated by service. The remaining issues of service connection for back, bilateral foot, hypertension, joint, and leg disabilities were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cystic and chloracne of the face, neck and back, prostate cancer, moderately disfiguring scars of the face, residuals of acne, and a scar of the right hand, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was pending since May 21, 1971. The effective date of his grant of service connection is set at May 21, 1971.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, which he claims are related to his service-connected kidney disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, particularly in the form of a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities were caused or aggravated by his service-connected kidney disability.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not show that his service-connected condition alone precludes him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work experience.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since July 1, 2009. The rating was granted as the disability meets the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and determine if he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including schizophrenia and PTSD, were not incurred or aggravated by military service. The claims for alcohol/drug dependence and unspecified personality disorder have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused his hypertension, and therefore grants service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective the date of claim. The left knee chondromalacia is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's combined evaluation of service-connected disabilities is 90 percent, meeting the threshold requirement for TDIU.,His gastritis is rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the Veteran's reported in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since October 21, 2014, effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and the Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The issue of hypertension remains pending as it requires further development.

The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated as 30 percent disabling, and the Board concluded that an increased rating is not warranted based on his symptoms.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and dysthymia, did not have a direct link to his military service. The evidence does not support an in-service stressor or show that any diagnosed conditions are related to service.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including those seeking service connection for various conditions and disabilities. The Board does not have jurisdiction to further consider these matters.