PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits was denied because he does not have an employment handicap, and his current occupation as a senior engineer is considered suitable.

The Veteran's PTSD was characterized by symptoms such as sleep impairment, short-term memory loss, and depressed mood prior to July 5, 2013. The Board found that these symptoms were similar to those contemplated by the currently assigned 30 percent rating for this period.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that it results in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing at the RO in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of mild traumatic brain injury and dismissed the issue of an increased rating for PTSD with major depression and history of alcohol abuse.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the initial disability rating for PTSD with major depression and alcohol abuse disorder, effective prior to October 6, 2015, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review this issue.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 2008, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they primarily reflect occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete information and evidence. The Veteran's stressor allegations need to be verified, and a VA examination is required if stressors are confirmed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is related to his active service, while his claim for PTSD stemming from in-service fear of hostile environment conditions was not supported by evidence showing a nexus between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and unit personnel records. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is being evaluated to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or permanently worsened by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's polycystic kidney disease is not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking it to his active duty or presumed herbicide exposure. The Board found no valid PTSD diagnosis based on the verified in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence and need for further examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability did not warrant a higher rating than the current 10 percent assigned prior to August 10, 2010. The claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, and an extraschedular rating for PTSD was denied.,However, due to his service-connected PTSD, the Veteran was granted a TDIU effective June 28, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective January 1, 2009. The rating has met the schedular threshold requirements for consideration of a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine if he is entitled to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to January 3, 2008.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating for PTSD with depressive disorder, finding that the schedular criteria are adequate and no exceptional or unusual disability picture exists.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 1, 2010. The Board also granted TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not to the extent warranting a higher rating. The disability remains productive of no more than mild symptoms.