PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

Your initial claim for a higher rating for PTSD and Anxiety Disorder, NOS has been fully granted with a 100% schedular rating effective March 29, 2007. As you are already receiving the maximum schedular rating, there is no longer an issue of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA mental health treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal seeking an increased rating for his service-connected Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a clarification of the VA examiner's assessment regarding suicidal ideations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder, is not etiologically related to his active service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including an examination to evaluate the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of any diagnosed cervical spine disorder and PTSD. The TDIU issue is also inextricably intertwined with these claims.

The Veteran's PTSD claim was granted, but his CAD increased rating claim was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating prior to November 23, 2015 and thereafter.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to further consider these matters.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was originally filed in July 1993, and the RO granted this claim effective from December 7, 2011. The Board finds that an earlier effective date of July 13, 1993 is warranted due to the receipt of relevant service department records after a prior final denial.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to January 17, 2017 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but the Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The TDIU claim remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disability is related to his service, including a stressor involving live-fire exercises during basic training.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date was October 17, 2012, when the Veteran filed a petition to reopen his previously denied claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and to confirm whether any of them occurred. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 10, 2012. The Board found that the Veteran meets criteria for a higher rating from July 1, 2009 to September 9, 2012.

The Board found that there was no link between the Veteran's in-service stressor and his current PTSD symptoms, thus denying service connection.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to August 23, 2012 and increased to 70 percent effective from that date.