PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claims for service connection for tinnitus and alcohol dependence (claimed as secondary to PTSD) have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a disability rating of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for service connection due to incomplete records and further examination. The issues of service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, psychiatric disabilities, left hip, right hip, and right hand disabilities are now before the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to April 4, 2011 and increased to 70 percent effective April 4, 2011.,The Veteran meets the threshold schedular requirement for an award of TDIU benefits due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to PTSD was denied. The Board found that the current symptoms of PTSD do not warrant a higher rating, and did not meet the criteria for a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder), peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, chronic foot infection, and rheumatoid arthritis. The evidence now supports these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was not manifested by total occupational and social impairment during the period from September 27, 2001 to February 24, 2003.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to July 27, 2012. After that date, the disability did not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to determine if he is entitled to a higher initial disability rating for PTSD and whether he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU and her service-connected disabilities preclude her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran withdrew all remaining appeals and claims, including the appeal for an increased rating for PTSD. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The Veteran's service connection claim will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The right knee disorder claim remains pending as additional development is required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and pyloric spams with duodenal bulb deformity, have caused her to be unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment since March 5, 2016. The Board finds the evidence is in equipoise as to whether she can work due to these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for hypertension, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection based on direct evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD with OCD resulted in occupational and social impairment prior to March 31, 2010. From that date, the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including for service connection and a rating for his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing, and not because of any decision on the merits regarding service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD and depression, is related to his military service. Service connection is granted for this condition. No other conditions are found to be related to service or due to exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was denied as there is no credible evidence of a stressor or MST related to her military service.