PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder with psychotic features are not rated higher than 70 percent, while his left shoulder fracture is not rated higher than 40 percent since August 6, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The Veteran was granted an increased rating for his PTSD and lumbar strain disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disabilities, including bipolar disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, were not incurred during or as a result of military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent from November 1, 2013. The Board finds that the rating of 30 percent is warranted based on symptoms such as sleep impairment, irritability, and depressed mood.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is presumed to have existed prior to service and was aggravated by military service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was found to be aggravated by service. Service connection is granted for this condition as well as his concurrent alcohol use disorder, cannabis use disorder, and cocaine use disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since December 15, 2009. Effective December 15, 2009, the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating of 70 percent for his PTSD.,As of December 15, 2009, the Veteran has also been granted TDIU status.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding it related to the Veteran's military service. The PTSD claim was denied as the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety, is rated at 70 percent. However, his claim for TDIU was denied as he did not meet the criteria for individual unemployability.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental VA opinion to determine if the Veteran's depressive symptoms experienced 5 months post-service were the onset of his current unspecified bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied by the Board.,The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding entitlement to TDIU prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period from March 17, 2005 to November 8, 2010.,An extraschedular rating for DM II prior to November 9, 2010 is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for aid and attendance, which has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at the scheduled Board hearing. He requested a rescheduling of the hearing and was granted this request.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing and notifying the Veteran of the date, time, and location of this hearing.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C due to a lack of evidence linking the condition to service, including inconsistent accounts of in-service blood exposure. Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) due to the appellant's assertion that it resulted from the Veteran's own willful misconduct.,The Board found no credible evidence supporting the Veteran's claims of in-service blood exposure and concluded his assertions were inconsistent with the available medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of service periods and obtaining all relevant medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, personality disorder, and sleep apnea will be adjudicated following completion of this development.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but not total occupational and social impairment. The current rating of 50% is maintained.