PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling prior to November 2, 2016. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his symptoms do not interfere with occupational or social functioning and are not severe enough to require continuous medication. The Veteran is also not found unemployable due to PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently assigned a 70 percent evaluation, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. This reflects his occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, depression affecting ability to function independently, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and inability to establish effective relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 18, 2013. The Board finds that the evidence shows significant impairment in occupational and social functioning due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships, and suicidal ideation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective January 12, 1995. His depression is not separately service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess his current level of disability. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricably intertwined nature with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied an increased rating. The appeal for a TDIU remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for further development regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to service or aggravated by his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to April 15, 2009. The Board denied the claim for a total disability rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to that date.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for both PTSD service connection and the administrative decision concerning line of duty.

Essential hypertension is granted as a result of service connection due to its onset within one year after separation from active duty.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied because the evidence does not establish a nexus to service. However, essential hypertension is presumed incurred in service.,Asthma to include service-connected chronic bronchitis is granted with a 30% rating from June 26, 2012 to January 24, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. Additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders and right shoulder/arm disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be decided based on the current evidence and needs further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim of reopening her service connection claim for posttraumatic stress disorder is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone, along with additional disabilities rated at least 60 percent (chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus), meet the criteria for a TDIU. From May 19, 2010, he also meets the criteria for SMC based on housebound status.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes, and hypertensive heart disease have been rated based on their individual service-connected conditions. The appeal for a TDIU has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD have been denied. The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum schedular rating for tinnitus.