PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient rationale in a previous VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was caused by service.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and PTSD, has been granted a 70 percent disability rating since September 15, 2010. The Veteran is currently employed but his mental health condition has caused some occupational impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder, and alcohol use disorder have been rated at 70 percent since the appeal period began. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as difficulty maintaining employment, marital problems, and strained relationships.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to outstanding questions regarding current diagnosis and etiology in connection with the claim. Additional attempts are needed to verify the Veteran's claimed stressor event and obtain VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened, leading to a disability rating of 50 percent effective December 13, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for PTSD, cold injury residuals of the right and left feet, shell fragment wound scars, arthritis, and TDIU. The Veteran is currently rated at 70% combined disability rating due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including consideration of new evidence and obtaining outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, and after considering the evidence of marginal employment prior to April 19, 2007, the Board grants TDIU effective September 30, 2004.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to October 5, 2015 and his claim for an increased rating for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are both pending. The TDIU claim is granted effective October 5, 2015, while the PTSD claim remains in dispute.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a retrospective medical opinion from an appropriate VA examiner to assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employment. The claim will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if any psychiatric disability present since 2009 is caused or aggravated by events in active service. The Veteran's correct mailing address must be verified and he should be notified of the re-scheduled examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence of a stressor and thus no diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran has been diagnosed with other conditions such as major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, bipolar disorder, alcohol dependence, malingering, and schizophrenia, none of which are linked to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted with an initial disability rating of 10 percent. Service connection for lymphoma due to ionizing radiation exposure is granted. Bilateral hearing loss is service connected and rated at 0 percent. COPD is not service connected. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is not service connected.

The Veteran's tinnitus and hepatitis claims are granted. The PTSD claim is dismissed due to withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective October 24, 2012. The symptoms include irritability, impaired impulse control (anger and unprovoked irritability), near-continuous depression, ongoing anxiety, mild memory loss, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, sporadic suicidal ideation, alcohol abuse, and sleep disturbances.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and obtain a medical opinion regarding his diagnoses of cognitive and mood disorders. The issue remains unresolved as service connection is not established.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since October 5, 2010. The effective date for this rating remains unchanged as the claim was received within one year of separation from service.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating since October 8, 2010.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are necessary to adjudicate the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD and CAD. The Veteran will be provided with a VA Form 21-8940 to determine his level of education, special training, and previous work history.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active duty service and grants the claim for service connection.