PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran was granted a 50 percent disability rating for PTSD effective July 31, 2006. The case is pending regarding the CUE claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has been granted.,Service connection for squamous cell carcinoma, claimed as neck cancer, to include as due to exposure to herbicide agents, is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities was denied as he is currently gainfully employed and not rendered incapable of substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his claimed stressor event could not be verified, and there was no evidence of a diagnosis of PTSD based on a corroborated in-service stressor. The Veteran's psychiatric disability is therefore denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and chronic sleep impairment. However, these symptoms have not resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that he is unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD. The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is denied, but TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective October 10, 2007. He also received a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, low back disorder, and associated upper and lower extremity radiculopathy are service-connected.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and neuropsychological disorder) is service-connected.,The Veteran's sleep disorder, fibromyalgia, multiple joint and muscle pain, hemorrhoids, recurrent headaches, cardiovascular disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder, and left eye injury are not service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating, but no higher. The Board finds the Veteran entitled to at least a 70 percent rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on PTSD and SMC due to multiple service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, shell fragment wounds, and PTSD. The combined disability rating is 90 percent.

The Board finds that the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder NOS which is attributable to service. Therefore, the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The claims of service connection for a psychiatric disability (including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorder) and a heart disability as secondary to a psychiatric disability are in dispute.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has found that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the current 70 percent rating.

PTSD was rated at 70 percent from June 11, 2001 to February 15, 2002.,TDIU prior to February 16, 2002 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and left forearm hematoma were denied. The Veteran was not granted service connection for either condition.

The Board found that the overpayment of $69,497.87 was valid due to the Veteran's incarceration and failure to notify VA of his felony conviction. The claim for waiver of recovery was denied as it would not be against equity and good conscience.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.,The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis and whether his acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service. The case will be remanded for further review after all available records are obtained.