PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective March 13, 2015. The rating reflects significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not total social and occupational impairment. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted for the period from October 22, 2002, to September 20, 2007, and from September 21, 2007, to June 29, 2008.

From August 21, 2008 to January 13, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD manifested in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,Since January 14, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, including deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's PTSD, skin condition, bronchitis, and acquired psychiatric disorder (separate from PTSD) are all service-connected. The rating for PTSD has been increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on the remaining issues, including higher initial ratings for PTSD.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 14, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Asthma has been denied. The Board found that asthma was not incurred during service and is not attributable to service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, has been denied as there is no competent evidence showing a current diagnosis or in-service stressors that would support such a claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders are related to service, including her reported harassment and personal assaults in service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that there is at least a reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran's claim due to her reported military sexual trauma. The Veteran now has service connection for PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety and/or depressive disorders. The AOJ will obtain additional records from the San Antonio VA Medical Center, any ongoing VA treatment records since January 2013, private treatment records if identified, as well as Social Security Administration disability records. If in-service stressor events are corroborated, a VA examination will be scheduled.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to service and the Board finds that she has a current diagnosis of this condition. The other psychiatric disorders are not currently addressed as they were not specifically mentioned in her claims or during the hearing.

The Board has found that the criteria for service connection for bilateral tympanic membrane perforations are met, and the Veteran's claim is granted. The remaining issues on appeal will be remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, primarily PTSD and recurrent severe Major Depressive Disorder, has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board finds that a higher rating is warranted for the entire initial rating period.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions and to ensure all relevant evidence is considered in reaching a decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as an addendum opinion on the left eye disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran currently meets the criteria for PTSD due to his active service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating effective December 22, 2010. The earlier effective date of November 1, 2004 for the 70% rating is granted.