PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board denied an increased evaluation. For the period from June 7, 2012 to January 21, 2015, the Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected PTSD, as well as claims for various other disabilities. The Board has determined that further development is necessary due to the need for updated medical examinations and opinions regarding the severity of PTSD and the etiology of asthma.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including bilateral knee disorder, vision decrease, sleep apnea, heart murmur, anxiety, PTSD, and headaches as the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of any of these conditions during or after service.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection effective July 16, 2007. The rating for PTSD has been increased to 50% effective July 16, 2007; 70% effective March 24, 2009; and 100% effective April 23, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression is rated at 70 percent from October 3, 2011 to October 7, 2014 and remains at that rating thereafter. The evidence shows significant impairment in most areas due to symptoms such as anxiety, depressed mood, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide, chronic sleep impairment, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection and disability ratings for various conditions. The Board has found that a 30 percent rating is warranted for IBS throughout the appeal period, but other claims are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal on the issue of an increased rating for cervical disc disease has been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood.

For the period prior to August 24, 2015, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent and denied a higher rating.,For the period from August 24, 2015 onwards, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent and denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder have been rated at 70 percent for the entire period on appeal, due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50% effective December 2, 2010. The PTSD claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's rating for bilateral hearing loss is granted at a 10 percent level, effective from the date of claim. The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse remains rated at 50 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for breathing problems due to pneumonia, an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, and a higher rating for his stricture of Urethra. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for cervical foraminal stenosis is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and MDD.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and prostate cancer.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling from June 17, 2011. The claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD prior to December 6, 2000 is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD were evaluated, with the hearing loss denied for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent and the PTSD denied for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent. The claims are remanded due to additional evidence being needed.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 3, 2007 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with mood disorder is denied. The Board found that there were no new and material evidence submitted before April 3, 2007, which would have allowed for a reopening of her original claim.

The Board has denied reopening the claims for PTSD and a psychiatric condition, to include schizoaffective disorder, bipolar subtype due to lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran's claim is remanded for an additional VA examination related to his right knee disability.