PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective November 10, 2012. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to PTSD was also granted effective that date.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as to the claims for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, hypertension, a prostate disorder, left shoulder degenerative joint disease, a right shoulder disorder, right knee osteoarthritis, and left knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a broken nose, to include a deviated septum. The other issues related to asbestosis, fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ischemic heart disease are being remanded.

The Veteran's headaches are rated at the highest schedular rating of 50 percent, and she is granted TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities.

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 PTSD with MDD resulted in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board granted a 70 percent rating for the period prior to May 25, 2016, but denied any higher ratings or TDIU.

The Board denied entitlement to an initial extraschedular evaluation for PTSD prior to May 1, 2010 and denied entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to that date.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 70 percent for service-connected PTSD effective January 27, 2014. Prior to this date, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the AOJ for additional development and adjudication, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and providing a PTSD examination.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service personal trauma or stressor sufficient for service connection.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as accrued benefits, and his PTSD remains at a 50% rating for accrued benefits purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder, erectile dysfunction, and PTSD are not related to his service. The claim for TDIU prior to December 16, 2014 is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the left forearm, Muscle Group VIII, with incomplete paralysis of the left radial nerve was denied. The Veteran's PTSD and MDD were also rated at 70 percent since May 11, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but the Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent based on the severity and impact of his symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities preclude substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinion regarding whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to service, including a personality disorder. The claim will be reconsidered in light of all evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of PTSD was denied. The Board granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn all issues on appeal.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a distinct acquired psychiatric disorder separate from his service-connected PTSD, and thus denies a separate compensable rating for an acquired psychiatric disorder.