PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has granted a TDIU effective May 10, 2012, based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his PTSD and musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, did not manifest during service or were not aggravated by service. The preexisting conditions are presumed to have existed prior to service.

The Veteran's PTSD disability has been rated at 70 percent since May 13, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms consistent with occupational and social impairment, resulting in a reduced reliability and productivity. The Board has granted an initial rating of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent disability rating due to his symptoms being less severe than those required for these ratings.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depression are due to in-service stressors, including a bomb explosion during service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since May 16, 2015. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating based on increased disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, did not have onset during active service and was not caused by active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication, including obtaining private mental health treatment records and determining the Veteran's employment status. The TDIU claim will be considered under 38 C.F.R. §4.16(b) if deemed necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right ulnar nerve injury, and recurrent tonsillitis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence supports his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling for the period prior to September 9, 2011.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD was granted, with the Board finding that his reported stressors were credible and consistent with his confirmed border patrol service. The claims for left knee disability, low back disorder, skin disorder, and TDIU are still pending.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not caused significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a disability rating of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating for PTSD and TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran will need a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD symptoms, including their impact on employment and daily activities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right leg disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to internal inconsistencies in the VA examination report and for an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability.

PTSD was initially granted with a 30% evaluation prior to September 5, 2012. The Veteran's PTSD has since been increased to 50% from September 5, 2012 to February 2, 2017 and to 70% thereafter.,PTSD remains at a maximum of 70% on or after February 2, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and its impact on employment.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a worsening of his service-connected hearing loss.,The August 1987 Board decision denying service connection for PTSD is final, and new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim.