PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, depression, and ADHD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

Service connection established for lower extremity radiculopathy and an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and depression).,A 40 percent rating was granted for the lumbar spine disorder prior to September 23, 2016. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,A 10 percent rating was granted for the lumbar spine disorder as of September 23, 2016. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,A 60 percent rating was granted for the cardiac disorder prior to February 25, 2013. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30 percent rating prior to January 13, 2015. From January 13, 2015, the Veteran's PTSD caused more significant impairment, qualifying for a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 6, 2014.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depression, dysthymic disorder and adjustment disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to address in-service treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at the highest possible level (100%) due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause his death. The appellant is seeking DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, but the criteria for this benefit have not been met as the Veteran was not rated at a 100% disability level continuously for at least ten years immediately preceding his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have fibromyalgia, tinnitus, or bilateral hearing loss. For PTSD, the rating assigned is 50 percent prior to February 25, 2017, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter, which means the claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if any psychiatric disorders, other than PTSD, existed prior to service and were aggravated by service or are otherwise related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection for Anxiety Disorder, Dysthymia, and Polysubstance Dependence will also be addressed.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder are related to his service, including in-service stressors. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied. His PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70%. The Veteran's TDIU claim based on his service-connected PTSD has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and his claims for increased ratings have been granted. He also has service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, sleep apnea, left knee disorder, and carpal tunnel syndrome were denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was added to the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of July 29, 2005, for the grant of a TDIU was denied. The Board found that he did not meet the percentage rating standards for TDIU at 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (a), and no consideration to such benefits are available under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16 (b) due to lack of service-connected disabilities prior to July 29, 2005.

The Veteran's claim is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion on whether his alleged stress and anxiety during training in Okinawa would satisfy DSM-5 criteria for PTSD. The examiner should also address whether any currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral plantar fasciitis and a psychiatric disorder other than posttraumatic stress disorder and major depression, including a bipolar disorder are denied as there is no evidence of a connection between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% rating since February 10, 2011. The reduction of the hearing loss rating from 80% to noncompensable was proper. The TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim regarding his character of discharge, which is a bar to VA benefits. The Veteran's military service was deemed dishonorable due to violent acts committed against other soldiers.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder has been rated at 70 percent disabling throughout the appeal period, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.