PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 24, 2016. The criteria for TDIU have been met.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was the basis for a temporary total rating (TTR) due to hospitalization from January 13, 2014 through March 2, 2014 for treatment of chemical dependency.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, which grants an initial higher rating than the current 50 percent.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety Disorder, as well as a skin condition are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD with depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% for the entire period on appeal, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for PTSD, lumbar degenerative joint disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity. The Board has referred these issues back to the AOJ due to procedural issues with his initial claim forms. Additionally, the Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from July 3, 2006 to May 4, 2008. The Board found that the Veteran experienced occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to his PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal as to the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, to include major depressive disorder and history of alcohol use disorder is dismissed. The issues pertaining to entitlement to service connection for a left ankle disorder, migraine headaches, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for a complete record, including scheduling of a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for further evaluation and additional records to be obtained.

The Veteran's IBS is rated at a maximum of 30 percent prior to February 10, 2016. The RO increased his rating for PTSD from 50% to 70%. The Board finds that the Veteran should be scheduled for an examination and remanded on all issues due to new evidence indicating worsening symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse due to insufficient evidence, including outdated VA treatment records. The Veteran will need to provide copies of his representative withdrawal letter and any outstanding VA medical records must be obtained. A new comprehensive VA examination is required to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his coronary artery disease and PTSD is being remanded for additional development. The decision on the current rating for coronary artery disease remains denied, with a finding that it warrants only a 60 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% for the period prior to September 18, 2012, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as there was no valid diagnosis of PTSD and the evidence did not show a link between current symptoms and service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inconsistencies in the severity of the Veteran's PTSD symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning. A new medical opinion is needed to determine the appropriate level of impairment for rating purposes, including staged ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right ankle fracture residuals, diabetes mellitus type 2, tinnitus, and peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His total disability rating is currently at 80 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent from February 7, 2012 to May 16, 2012. A rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and MDD, which are found to be related to military sexual trauma (MST).