PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD is rated as 100 percent disabling, effective June 25, 2012. He also has ischemic heart disease rated at 60 percent and diabetes mellitus Type II rated at noncompensable since August 13, 2013.,From August 1, 2012 through August 12, 2013, the Veteran's combined rating is 100 percent due to his service-connected PTSD and ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to May 23, 2013. Beginning May 23, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 100 percent due to a stroke.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and active service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive disorder renders him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a TDIU.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the Veteran's service dates and obtain any relevant medical records. The case will be remanded for a new VA examination to address the etiology of his psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board found that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% prior to March 21, 2011 and increased to 50% from March 21, 2011 to October 15, 2012. From October 16, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70%. The TDIU claim is granted effective September 1, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50 percent for the period prior to July 18, 2013 and at 70 percent from July 18, 2013 to April 6, 2016. The appeal is denied as the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and fibromyalgia, did not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to July 19, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is dismissed. The Board grants the claim of entitlement to TDIU, finding that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD, and his dermatitis of the chest is found to be related to service. The claim for increased rating for residuals left auxiliary vein thrombosis remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, right Achilles tendon tear, left Achilles tendon tear, and GERD. The decision also addressed other issues such as increased ratings and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected neurological disorder and PTSD have been granted, with the neurological disorder receiving a direct service connection and PTSD receiving a rating of 50 percent prior to July 14, 2016. The Veteran is also granted TDIU status for his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, and depression, finding that there was no evidence to support a relationship between his current psychiatric conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with alcohol abuse from September 28, 2010 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of total social and occupational impairment since this date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depressive disorder, and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to September 7, 2016 and increased to 50 percent effective September 7, 2016. The claim for a higher rating remains on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, right ear hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was not addressed in the decision.