PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, gastrointestinal disorder, and vision disorder were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability rating for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to March 23, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol and drug dependence, is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have service in Vietnam and, therefore, is not entitled to presumptive service connection for any conditions based on herbicide exposure. The claims of service connection for various disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and erectile dysfunction have rendered him unemployable for the periods from December 20, 2009 to December 20, 2015, and from March 1, 2016 onward. A Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is granted during these periods.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since December 4, 2007. The rating was increased to 50 percent effective from September 1, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective April 17, 2014. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective May 16, 2007. The Board has also granted entitlement to TDIU based on the service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood due to symptoms of impaired impulse control and the inability to establish effective relationships. As a result, an initial disability rating of 70 percent is granted for PTSD prior to October 9, 2007.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities did not manifest within a year of separation from service, or are otherwise etiologically related to active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to address his claims for PTSD and COPD.

The Veteran is granted SMC on the basis of need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70% rating throughout the appeal period, effective June 6, 2012. Prior to December 15, 2015, the Veteran was not precluded from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety and depressive disorder, is found to be related to his service. His residuals of a traumatic brain injury are also found to be related to his service. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is related to service and has been granted. The cervical spine disability and lumbar spine disability have not yet been rated as the VA examination was inadequate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed stressors have not been verified, and therefore, his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including PTSD and its related conditions. The Board has determined that a hearing is needed to address these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 12, 2011. Effective from that date, the Veteran is eligible for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic rhinosinusitis and found that the Veteran's current condition is at least as likely as not related to his period of active service. The PTSD rating remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as further consideration of the Veteran's claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is related to his in-service stressor, which occurred during his service in Vietnam. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.