PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for PTSD and a TDIU rating prior to September 2, 2014. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional information regarding the Veteran's employment during this period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, and depressive disorder, is not related to service or a service-connected disability.,The Veteran has a current back disability, to include degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, but it did not become manifest within one year after service separation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a disability for which service connection is sought. As such, no service connection is granted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence, but finds that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor. The Veteran's dementia is not linked to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and schizophrenia, as well as constipation, GERD, sleep apnea, and CAD. The rating assigned is 100% for the seizure disability from October 6, 2014 onwards.

The Veteran's service dog was not recognized by VA for the provision of benefits under 38 C.F.R. § 17.148(d) because training was not provided by an accredited organization.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 50% rating since August 12, 2010. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since March 2009, with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 20, 2010.,He is granted a TDIU effective December 20, 2010 due to his service-connected PTSD and additional disabilities totaling 60% or more.,Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under Chapter 35 was also granted effective December 20, 2010.,SMC for being housebound is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with mood disorder has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to difficulty in understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and vocational experience.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric conditions, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, and depression, were not incurred in or related to his active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas including work, family relationships, thinking and mood due to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, hypervigilance, isolating behaviors, occasional suicidal ideations, sleep difficulty, nightmares, flashbacks in traffic, and difficulty concentrating. However, the Veteran's PTSD has not been shown to result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% prior to May 31, 2016 and upgraded to 50% thereafter. The current rating is in line with the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board also granted a TDIU effective February 14, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD related to an in-service stressor and his cardiovascular disorder is not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and hypertension associated with PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to November 1, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to a personal assault during his military service, and thus grants the claim.

The appellant has withdrawn her appeal for a higher rating of service-connected PTSD. As such, the issue is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, other than PTSD, and sleep apnea are not related to service or service-connected conditions.