PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations if necessary. The case will be readjudicated after the development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the rating of his service-connected PTSD, leaving only other issues unresolved.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 13, 2014. The rating is granted as the symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula for evaluating psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to schedule him for examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including right shoulder disability, hypertension, heart disability (mitral valve prolapse), PTSD, TBI, lumbar strain, and need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unable to secure and follow any form of substantially gainful employment prior to May 13, 2013.

The Board found that the Appellant does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, that was incurred during or caused by his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling since March 22, 2007. Effective April 22, 2009, the Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability did not have its onset in active service and is not otherwise the result of a disease or injury, if any, incurred in active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not to the level of total occupational or social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied as there is no evidence that the condition had its onset in service or within one year of discharge. The Board also found insufficient evidence to link his diagnosed psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse was rated at 50 percent disabling, effective January 17, 2008. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted during the period from January 18, 2008 to July 8, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and to consider his claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and a TDIU. The case will be reconsidered after the additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to April 9, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms and occupational and social impairment were found to be similar to those in the 70 percent rating criteria, warranting a higher initial disability rating of 50% for the period from October 27, 2006 to April 27, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not, either individually or collectively, preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, mood disorder, depression, and PTSD, was not incurred or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not show any relationship between or aggravation of any current psychiatric disorder and a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD and service connection for a back disability. The TDIU claim remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to August 1, 2011 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The decision is granted for the increased rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, and mood, warranting a higher 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period.