PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to November 8, 2012, and at 70 percent since then. The Board also granted TDIU with an effective date of November 8, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and ischemic heart disease render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU rating from December 2011.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Board also granted service connection for these conditions based on direct evidence of a link to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and a need for an updated VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including suicidal ideation and difficulty concentrating, have caused significant impairment in his work, social, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD from May 10, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including intermittent explosive disorder and PTSD. The appeal is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to October 23, 2012 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The prostate cancer residuals were evaluated at 60 percent.,PTSD symptoms have worsened since the last examination in March 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since October 1, 2007. The effective date for the TDIU remains prior to October 1, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, do not meet the threshold percentage requirement for a TDIU as they combine to an 80% disability rating. The Veteran has failed to provide sufficient evidence of his current employment status and education history.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD has been granted, with a current rating of 70 percent. The hearing loss disability remains at the noncompensable level.

The Board finds that the Veteran's stressor, including being abused and mistreated by his superior and peers following release from service, occurred during his period of active service. Therefore, service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. His PTSD is rated at the highest possible disability rating of 100 percent, effective from the date of his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, migraines, diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary artery disease, lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder. The claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not received.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of PTSD, a chronic disability manifested by chest pain and heart pain, and frostbite of the hands. The remaining claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including suicidal thoughts, irritability, anger, disturbances of motivation and mood, and intermittent inability to perform activities of daily living. The Board finds a 70% disability rating is warranted for the period from August 1, 2007 to June 23, 2010, and from August 13, 2010 to April 9, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with his depressive and panic disorders, resulted in significant occupational and social impairment prior to January 28, 2013. The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating prior to April 30, 2014.

The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD and determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability did not result from service. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression, panic disorder, and agoraphobia has been rated at 50 percent since December 29, 2008. The Board found that the disability does not warrant a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.