PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent prior to September 8, 2008. The Board finds that an extraschedular evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to September 8, 2008 is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to address the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right knee degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a rating of 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The appeal for higher ratings on left knee instability and joint sprain is withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was filed in May 2009, and thus an effective date of May 15, 2009 is granted.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his service-connected headaches and PTSD was denied. The Board found that the current schedular ratings adequately describe his disability picture.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper development and consideration of the Veteran's claims for PTSD and ED.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and his depressive disorder was not caused by or related to active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment, with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board determined that the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating are met.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to chronic sleep impairments, nightmares, depression, anxiety, mild memory loss, and intermittent suicidal ideations. The current rating does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed, including obtaining service treatment records and VA rehabilitation records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be remanded to the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted based on the severity and impact of his symptoms.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 30 percent, which corresponds to Level VII in the right ear and Level V in the left ear. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records from Dr. NAO, as well as scheduling a VA examination for his nose and respiratory claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional evidence and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to address the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated after all development is completed.

The Veteran's combination of service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II (including diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities), caused him to be unable to obtain and sustain a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with mild symptoms, warranting a 10 percent disability rating from January 12, 2009.,As of December 1, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD caused more significant impairment, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the rating for premature ventricular complexes from 30% to 10%, effective November 21, 2012, was proper. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further verification of a claimed in-service stressor event and for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on his symptoms and functional impairment.