PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was received on November 16, 2009. The effective date of the increased rating to 100 percent is set as of that date.,An earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD prior to March 29, 1995 is not warranted due to the lack of established in-service stressors and finality of a previous denial.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since September 30, 2010. The appeal for a TDIU is dismissed as the Veteran now receives a 100% rating for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 1, 2007. The evidence does not show that the disability warrants a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to issues related to service connection and TDIU. The claims will be reconsidered after the requested information is obtained.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, bilateral pes planus, and PTSD. The Veteran's claims are now resolved in his favor.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and posttraumatic stress disorder rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 1, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to service, and there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current psychiatric symptoms and service. The claims for prostate condition and sleep apnea are also denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is not shown to be related to his qualifying period of service from June 25, 1962 to June 24, 1966. The Board found that the diagnoses are more likely due to experiences in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence linking the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, to his service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding in favor of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70% since October 1, 2015. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met prior to March 16, 2012 and from March 16, 2012 onwards.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tension headaches are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 22, 2016. The Board found that the effects of his PTSD have not met or closely approximated the criteria for a disability rating higher than 50 percent.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for her psychiatric disability was denied prior to June 1, 2010. However, the Board granted a 70% rating from that date forward.,For the period prior to July 24, 2012, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU due to her employment status.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, was not found to warrant an increased rating prior to April 20, 2009 or a TDIU prior to that date.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. Service connection was denied for bilateral leg disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA psychiatric examinations to determine the current severity of his PTSD symptoms. The issues include service connection for sleep apnea and increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective July 2, 2010. The VA examiners have found that the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include depression and anxiety, finding that the Veteran experienced instances of in-service personal assault. The right ankle disability claim is remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits were discontinued effective October 30, 2002 due to his fugitive felon status. The benefits were reinstated on April 30, 2012 after the warrant was cleared. An earlier effective date is denied.