PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused reduced reliability and productivity, but not total occupational and social impairment. The right knee disability has been manifested by flexion limited to 120 degrees and extension to 0 degrees without ankylosis or other severe functional limitations. The left knee disability has also been manifested by flexion limited to 100 degrees and extension to 0 degrees, but without ankylosis or other severe functional limitations. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 20, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's major depression/depressive disorder is found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD with panic disorder, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the existence and etiology of any currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner must also provide an opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not that any currently diagnosed psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, is related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for epileptic seizures and PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD, but did find sufficient evidence to grant service connection for depression and panic disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent effective September 22, 2014. Service connection for type 2 diabetes mellitus and right pyriform squamous cell carcinoma (claimed as larynx cancer) is denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or herbicide exposure. Service connection for post-myocardial infarction coronary artery disease (CAD) is also denied. The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of all evidence since the February 2015 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete development. The claims for PTSD and cognitive disorder will be further evaluated after obtaining additional medical records, conducting necessary examinations, and ensuring all requested actions are completed.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of PTSD was granted, with the earliest possible effective date being October 21, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 13, 2008. The rating is granted but not in excess of the initial assigned rating.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of October 29, 2004 for the award of service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder.,An increased rating to 70 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder from October 29, 2004 is granted.

The Veteran's anxiety and PTSD have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating since November 22, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with anxiety (also claimed as PTSD) most nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but did not more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The other issues are not addressed in detail as they pertain to specific conditions and ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective February 15, 2011. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD during the appeal period. For his lung disorder, the VA examiner opined it was less likely than not related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including mood disorder and PTSD, is etiologically related to his service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to reopening a claim of service connection for PTSD, including consideration of new evidence and adjudication of a claim regarding possible CUE in a previous rating decision.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as PTSD and depressive disorder, is found to be related to in-service stressors. The lung disorder claim is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service exposure. Service connection for the remaining conditions is granted.