PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment for the entire period on appeal, from October 12, 2011 to September 28, 2016. As a result, the Veteran is granted a 100% evaluation for his service-connected PTSD during this time.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 22, 2015. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU prior to May 22, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from the Greenville Vet Center and ensuring all pertinent VA records are obtained. The Veteran is also asked to provide any outstanding private medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and completing a VA psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claims for nonservice-connected pension and service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for schizoaffective disorder and PTSD is May 20, 2004.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and sensory deficits in both upper extremities, are found to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain relevant medical records and provide a new opinion from the VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of an in-service sexual assault and court-martial. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's employment prior to June 5, 2013 was not considered substantially gainful due to his service-connected PTSD. The Board found that the Veteran's employment did not constitute marginal or sheltered work environment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal due to satisfaction with the rating decision granting Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and permanent service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, but his claims for back, right knee, and left knee disabilities have not met the criteria for service connection.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD, but vacated the portion of the decision that denied a higher rating. The Veteran's symptoms include suicidal ideation, panic attacks, anger issues, and social isolation.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is related to his service-connected DJD of the right foot.,The Veteran's respiratory disorders are related to service exposure to asbestos. His current COPD and asthma are at least as likely as not caused by in-service asbestos exposure.,The Veteran's back disorder is related to a back injury sustained during an incident involving his right foot, which he claims occurred while on active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD and alcohol dependence were consistently manifested by symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, and impaired impulse control. His social interactions were significantly impacted, leading to isolation from his family and avoidance of crowds. The Board found that the Veteran's condition warranted a 70 percent rating based on occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is not service-connected, and thus, there are no acquired psychiatric disorders other than PTSD to address. The appeal for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a mental disorder, to include PTSD and depression, that is related to service.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and PTSD have been granted service connection. The depression claim is still pending as new evidence has not been received to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher initial disability rating of 70 percent from January 14, 2014.