PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was dismissed because he requested to cancel his appeal in November 2018.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at a 70 percent disability rating throughout the period on appeal prior to June 16, 2017. The symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and an unresolved in-service stressor claim. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and Depression are being reviewed.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, is remanded due to insufficient information on the relationship between his current condition and service. Additional evidence must be obtained and a VA examination conducted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied in March 2015, but granted with an effective date of August 24, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms warranting a 70% rating were not present prior to this date.

The Board has determined that a new examination and medical opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevents him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment due to his inability to regulate emotions, function adequately on the job, and maintain interpersonal relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent from November 21, 2007. Starting May 5, 2017, the rating increased to 70 percent due to worsening symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hip disability, right eye SFW, and PTSD due to outstanding treatment records and further medical opinions being needed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings of PTSD prior to July 20, 2015 and thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner is asked to address various aspects such as whether any pre-existing psychiatric disorder existed prior to service, if current disorders are related to service or personality disorders, and whether any substance abuse disorder is proximately due to or aggravated by the psychiatric disorders.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for schizophrenia and PTSD, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the schizophrenia claim and concluding that there was insufficient evidence to support a diagnosis or link between in-service stressors and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied. The initial rating for his radiculopathy and separate ratings for mood disorder with PTSD were also denied.

The Veteran's TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits were granted effective March 9, 2013. The Board denied earlier effective dates for both claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder, claimed as post-traumatic stress disorder, secondary to his right shoulder disability has been granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains under review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder, claimed as post-traumatic stress disorder, secondary to his right shoulder disability has been granted. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains under review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, insomnia, and anxiety, are at least as likely as not related to his in-service stressors. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted within one year of the original September 2010 rating decision, thus the claim is not final. The Veteran's service records do not show any psychiatric symptoms during service, but he was diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety after service. Further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total social impairment. A 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence is rated at 70 percent from February 3, 2011 to September 6, 2016. This rating reflects significant impairment in most areas of functioning.