PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not to the extent that it results in total occupational and social impairment. Therefore, an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran was service-connected for PTSD, a left wrist fracture, and a right hand fracture prior to December 16, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation during this period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability, and the Board found that the Veteran did not provide good cause for failing to report for VA examinations. The claims for PTSD and migraine headaches are denied due to failure to report for VA examination without good cause.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA psychiatric examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including but not limited to major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD disability has been rated at 70 percent since March 19, 2010. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Board also found that he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and granted TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability evaluation prior to March 23, 2011. The symptoms were primarily social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but overall occupational and social functioning was not severely impaired.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective from January 13, 2015. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of total occupational and social impairment due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, MDD, and Polysubstance abuse disorder are all related to his active service. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The TDIU claim is also part of this matter.

The Veteran's service-connected mental health disorders (Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD) have resulted in a combined rating of 100% since February 16, 2010. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented maintaining substantially gainful employment from February 16, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for further examination. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, will be evaluated by a VA examiner.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's right knee DJD has been granted a separate evaluation of 10 percent, and no higher. The issue of an increased evaluation for PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been productive of total occupational and social impairment, thus the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective May 28, 2009, based on his service-connected PTSD and chloracne.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for gall bladder disorder, lung disease, lipoma, ulcer, prostate cancer, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression and PTSD), and tinnitus have been granted. The decision is based on direct service connection due to the Veteran's credible reports of symptom onset within one year post-service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Court held that evidence added to the record since the May 2005 rating decision, denying service connection for PTSD, is new and material, and the claim for service connection is reopened. However, the criteria for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, sleep apnea, liver disorder, diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the upper extremities, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, and skin cancer have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his posttraumatic stress disorder. The issue of entitlement to service connection for substance abuse secondary to PTSD will also be developed.