PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, left ankle disability, or thoracic spine disability in accordance with DSM-IV criteria. The evidence does not support service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depressive disorder, is not related to service or his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds that the lay statements of record are outweighed by the VA examiner's opinion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. However, further development is needed to determine if there is a current diagnosis of PTSD and whether it is related to military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, primarily PTSD and bipolar disorder, resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board finds a rating of 70 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to an in-service motor vehicle accident, and the Board finds that service connection for PTSD should be granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and rated at 50 percent from May 17, 2011 to January 24, 2016. The rating was increased to 70 percent effective December 22, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling as of June 4, 2004. The Board found that the symptoms and overall impairment caused by his psychiatric disability more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from August 19, 2008. The RO has granted service connection for this condition and assigned a separate rating of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected GAD with PTSD, which is more than the current 50 percent rating. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the hysterectomy claim. The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, sinus disorder, and right knee disorder have been denied. The TDIU claim is also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and TBI ratings were improperly reduced, and the original ratings of 50% for PTSD and 40% for TBI are restored.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder. The issue of entitlement to service connection for heart disease is also inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for headaches and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether his headache disability is secondary to service-connected PTSD or rhinitis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of skin cancer is denied. The Board finds that the Veteran has established entitlement to SMC-L based on loss of use of his legs due to his service-connected back disorder, knee disorders and peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities. He also qualifies for SMC-O and SMC-R(1) based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board found no evidence of a current psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder, and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. For the lumbar spine disorder, the VA examiner concluded that the condition was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's PTSD and hearing loss have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right thumb fracture, and tinnitus, do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.