PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, hearing loss, back condition, bilateral radiculopathy, and bladder dysfunction, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, the Board grants TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review it.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA mental health examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an increased disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, particularly regarding his service-connected coronary artery disease, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and left shoulder disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to an in-service stressor, which was a personal assault. As the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether this occurred during service, and there are no other issues on appeal, the claim for service connection for PTSD due to personal assault is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to February 17, 2014 has been withdrawn and dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The other service-connected conditions are not rated higher.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's in-service stressor is corroborated and there is medical evidence linking his current symptoms to this stressor. Service connection was denied for bilateral flat feet.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether his current diagnoses are related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 20, 2013 and since then they do not warrant an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition. The other psychiatric conditions are not linked to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD with depression was initially denied in February 2006. After the VA requested and received additional relevant official service department records, which indicated service in Vietnam, the claim was reopened and granted effective from May 18, 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the period on appeal, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial rating than 30 percent, and denied both his claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD and his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to February 14, 2017 is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence that has not been reviewed by the AOJ.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD are found to be related to service, with the claim for service connection granted. The issue of an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent prior to January 24, 2017 remains before the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence and depression is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating. The VA has determined that this condition significantly impacts his ability to work.,The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities including PTSD, pulmonary asbestosis, peripheral neuropathy in both legs, and tinnitus.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to October 28, 2010. As such, a TDIU on an extraschedular basis is granted.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, sleep problems, nightmares, and fatigue are being remanded due to the need for additional development including a new VA examination.