PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board is remanding to determine when VA received a document labeled 'Third Party Correspondence' with a receipt date of April 1, 2010, which contains an SSA determination. The Veteran's representative claims this evidence should have been considered in the May 2010 rating decision that denied TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD makes him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to October 15, 2015. The Board denied the claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is etiologically linked to his active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's depression and PTSD have been granted service connection. The initial disability rating for PTSD has been increased to 70 percent, effective May 9, 2009, and the Veteran is now eligible for a total disability rating due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to May 14, 2015 resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. Symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and sleep impairment were noted.,After May 14, 2015, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused significant occupational and social impairment, including deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected residuals of left and right leg muscle group XI shrapnel wounds, but remanded the issues regarding PTSD and TDIU.,PTSD was also remanded due to the Veteran's testimony indicating increased severity since his last examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for obstructive sleep apnea and psychiatric disorders due to incomplete records from SSA and VA. The Veteran's service connection claim will be further examined with a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to insufficient information about his and his wife's rental property business income. The AOJ needs to request the Veteran provide evidence of his annual income for 2010, 2011, and 2012.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, with symptoms of PTSD, is rated at 70 percent and not higher. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the possibility of additional VA treatment records that may affect the decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted service connection. The PTSD is granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability causes occupational and social impairment, leading to a TDIU determination. The case is remanded for further examination of his PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary due to outstanding VA and private treatment records for the cause of death claim. The appellant's request for substitution will also be addressed during this process.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability level, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, as he is capable of working in a sedentary or light duty position.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD related to military sexual trauma, is found to be related to his service and granted.