PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, spinal scoliosis, and other physical impairments, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence supports the award of TDIU.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from May 29, 2008 to December 28, 2011 due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment during this period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depressive disorder/dysthymic mood, is rated at 50 percent. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for a 70% or higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the criteria for mental disorders. The symptoms include neglect of personal hygiene, mood swings, anxiety, sleep impairment, flashbacks, avoidance of triggers, impaired memory and concentration, restricted range of affect, outbursts of anger, hypervigilance, feelings of helplessness, a chronic sad mood, diminished interest in most activities, excessive worrying and feelings of guilt, isolation, feelings of worthlessness, recurrent thoughts of death, and panic attacks. The rating is granted as the Veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with an initial rating of 70 percent, effective June 29, 2007. The Veteran also has a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction and TDIU beginning June 11, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus type II with erectile dysfunction, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a total disability evaluation based on individual employability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claim for a higher rating of anxiety disorder and service connection for PTSD were both found to be lacking sufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and did not find new and material evidence to reopen the claim of a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety, finding that there was no medical nexus linking his current psychiatric condition to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected PTSD with depressed mood and prescribed medications, but further development of evidence is needed before a final determination can be made.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective January 11, 2011. The Board also granted an effective date of January 11, 2011 for a TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities due to incomplete records and a need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records related to his disability benefits.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and conflicting medical opinions. The Veteran will need to provide updated VA treatment records, VistA Imaging records, and information regarding his in-service stressors. He will also be provided with VA examinations for his lumbar spine disability, sleep disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and bipolar disorder), nasal polyps, and chronic sinus headaches.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, and a TDIU rating from May 30, 2007. The decision grants an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD was previously denied in November 1992. The Board has now reopened the claim due to new and material evidence, but the issue of whether PTSD is related to service remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have produced total occupational impairment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his physical limitations due to diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's TDIU and increased PTSD ratings were granted in September 2013, but the attorney fees for these benefits are denied as no NOD was filed on the issues of TDIU or higher PTSD ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened, and he needs a VA examination to assess the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for further evaluation and additional records to be obtained. The claim will be reconsidered after the new evidence is evaluated.