PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of September 2, 2011. Prior to that date, the criteria for a schedular TDIU were not met.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive symptoms was productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating from October 24, 2007 to December 29, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 15, 2005. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or approximate those required for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

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

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 13, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms of his PTSD have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and a VA examination. The issue remains whether she is entitled to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work and relationships. The current evaluation of 70 percent is appropriate as it reflects the severity of his disability.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, Anxiety Disorder NOS, and Major Depressive Disorder in remission. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his service due to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity he experienced while serving in Vietnam.

The Veteran's hairy cell leukemia and PTSD with dementia are rated at their maximum levels, and additional compensation cannot be granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, left upper extremity neuropathy, and right upper extremity neuropathy are all rated at their maximum levels, and additional compensation cannot be granted for these conditions.,The Veteran is receiving SMC benefits based on the need for a higher level of care.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for a heart disorder, including as secondary to PTSD.

The Board denied a higher rating for PTSD prior to October 24, 2012 and denied TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, left lower extremity sciatica, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression). The Veteran's symptoms were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a completed VA Form 21-8940.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his claim for higher ratings and earlier effective dates are not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the addition of dependent children T. A., T. M., and T. E. to his award was denied as there is no evidence that prior to May 16, 2008, the RO was aware of their existence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining confirmation of the Veteran's stressor events and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence corroborating his reported in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent prior to August 12, 2013. The rating reflects the degree of occupational and social impairment due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.