PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 9, 2012. The VA examiner found the symptoms of PTSD have worsened and resulted in significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) on his claims for higher PTSD rating and earlier effective date for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since July 20, 2010 and increased to 50 percent effective July 21, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent from October 7, 2014 to April 9, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to March 20, 2013 and at 70 percent beginning March 20, 2013. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent since November 15, 2006. The Board has also granted TDIU based on the service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected low back disorder does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent, and he did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of either lower extremity. His request for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant was also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70% since December 2, 2008. The Board granted a TDIU effective from August 11, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD for the period prior to December 2, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by fatigue is denied as there is no diagnosed condition.,Service connection granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The Board finds the evidence at least in equipoise that this condition began during service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have fluctuated but mostly manifested as moderate to severe impairment, warranting a 70% rating. The Veteran was not found unemployable due to his service-connected disorders prior to June 29, 2010.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, has been characterized by symptoms such as panic attacks, impairment of memory, and disturbances of motivation and mood. The evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to these symptoms. Therefore, the claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran is entitled to an educational assistance benefit level of 100 percent under Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) due to his service-connected disabilities and the fact that he was discharged from service due to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depression have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent from October 11, 2007 through June 28, 2010. Effective June 29, 2010, the Veteran is receiving a 100 percent rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and thus granted as secondary.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 3, 2014. The Board finds that the evidence supports this rating as it reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD and TBI with Memory Loss have been granted service connection, but the initial ratings for both conditions are denied. The Veteran is currently receiving 70% ratings for PTSD and TBI with Memory Loss since February 1, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings and increased rating issues, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, were granted. His combined disability rating is now at 80 percent.