PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD and dementia symptoms result in total occupational impairment, and his symptoms more nearly approximate total social impairment.,The evidence demonstrates that the Veteran requires the regular aid and attendance of another person as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the increased ratings for PTSD, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability before a decision was made.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective March 26, 2008. The Board finds that the disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent since March 29, 2011. This rating is in line with the severity of his symptoms which include occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that there is no diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with the DSM, related to a verified stressor event or related to the Veteran's fear of hostile military activity.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's lower back disability is found to have been incurred during his military service.,Regarding PTSD, the appeal is not about service connection as it pertains to a personal assault and/or MST.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was not rated as totally disabling for at least 8 years prior to his death, and therefore the criteria for enhanced DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1311(a)(2) are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD related to service and therefore, denied his claim for service connection for PTSD. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include depression, is remanded due to inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, initial ratings for onychomycosis of the bilateral feet and PTSD were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new or material evidence to reopen his arthritis claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is causally related to service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this condition.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD prior to August 10, 2009 was granted at 30 percent. From August 10, 2009 onwards, the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran is prevented from securing and following substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD. The Board finds that the evidence supports that he suffers severe PTSD symptoms which prevent him from obtaining employment outside of his home.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 13, 2012, for the grant of service connection for ischemic heart disease was denied as his claim did not meet the criteria under Nehmer regulations. The Board found that he had not filed a formal or informal application for service connection for ischemic heart disease prior to March 13, 2012.

The Veteran's eye conditions, including blepharitis and chalazions, are not related to service or any service-connected disability. Headaches have been determined to be secondary to PTSD, while anxiety is associated with the Veteran's PTSD.,PTSD has resulted in a 30 percent rating prior to May 23, 2016, and a higher than 70 percent rating thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70% disabling, effective from February 26, 2016.,Prior to this rating change, the Veteran was granted a TDIU effective August 24, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's July 10, 2000 application for service connection was a valid claim and should be considered as part of his original claim. Therefore, an effective date of July 10, 2000 is granted for the grant of service connection for Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5237, and denied an increased rating greater than 10 percent.