PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's TMJ dysfunction is currently rated at 10 percent, and the issues regarding PTSD have been granted increased ratings.,TMJ dysfunction remains at a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's PTSD has been granted increased ratings to 50 percent effective December 30, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder, PTSD, and phobic disorder with anxiety are rated at 100 percent since April 14, 2007. He is also in receipt of a 100 percent rating for his service-connected psychiatric disabilities prior to June 14, 2012.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and did not have an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD during service or within one year of discharge. The claims were denied as there was no evidence to support these conditions.

The Veteran currently has a psychiatric disability that is shown by competent lay and medical evidence to be causally related to his military service, thus warranting service connection.

The Veteran's appeals were denied, with the exception of GERD with hiatal hernia and pancreatitis issues which are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from November 28, 2007 to June 22, 2009. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 20, 2007 and increased to 70 percent effective August 30, 2016. The TDIU was granted prior to the increase in PTSD rating.,PTSD symptoms have caused significant occupational impairment throughout the period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since January 23, 1985. Prior to October 24, 2014, his service-connected disabilities alone did not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's total combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 90 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, was denied as he did not have a current diagnosis of such condition. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU were also addressed but are deferred until the examinations have been completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying the Veteran's in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected TBI and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to March 8, 2012. Since then, the rating has been increased to 50 percent effective March 8, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a missed VA examination. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms may have worsened since his last examination, so another examination is needed.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is currently rated at 70 percent for the period prior to January 9, 2015. He also has a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.,PTSD was withdrawn from appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the issue of increased rating for left ear hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, finding that the earliest date of service connection is January 28, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but he is not unemployable due to his service-connected disability.