PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD, and service connection was not established for TBI residuals, Vestibular Disorder (Vertigo), or Cervical Spine Disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The Board also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and he is not entitled to a TDIU. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher than 60 percent rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The AOJ is to attempt to obtain any outstanding records pertaining to the Veteran's report of in-service exposure to herbicide agents, as well as his treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported sexual assault during active duty for training is credible and related to his current PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of a rating in excess of 10 percent for right thigh muscle injury is denied due to failure to report for necessary VA examination. The Veteran's SMC claim is also denied as he does not meet the legal criteria for payment at the housebound rate or based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and determining the degree of occupational impairment resulting from his service-connected disabilities. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the PTSD claim.

The case is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder, will be reconsidered.

The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and lumbar spine disability, from May 16, 2004, to February 11, 2014.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is related to his in-service stressors involving exposure to dead Korean soldiers. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence supports granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder must also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the psychiatric disability claim.

The Veteran was not rendered unable to engage in substantially gainful employment by reason of his service-connected disabilities prior to January 20, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 9411, due to symptoms including depression, anxiety, intermittent passive suicidal ideation, frequent distressing nightmares, sleep impairment, and mild isolative tendencies.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling since December 1, 2009. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of unemployability due to PTSD and granted TDIU prior to October 19, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated as 30 percent disabling, the minimum rating for this disability. The Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating due to their transient or mild nature.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, was granted. However, his claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to cause reduced reliability and productivity, but not the exceptional or unusual disability picture required for a higher rating. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an increased evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, as he meets the schedular criteria for a grant of TDIU since May 12, 2011. The Veteran has service-connected PTSD and IBS, which do not preclude employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative, resulting in the dismissal of the case.