PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, due to personal assault during service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and panic disorder is rated at 70 percent, effective May 10, 2010. The Board granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new medical evidence not being considered by the VA examiner.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from April 24, 2008. From September 1, 2009, the Veteran meets criteria for TDIU.

From February 28, 2008 to February 10, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD with depression was productive of occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas; however, total occupational and social impairment was not shown.,Since February 11, 2013, the Veteran has experienced total occupational and social impairment due to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric and sleep disorders are not related to service, and thus denied his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since January 28, 2016 and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted. Prior to this date, his PTSD was rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation prior to March 28, 2011. The GERD was characterized by persistent symptoms but did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran is found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and the TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to February 11, 2016. After that date, the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are found to be due to in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted service connection, and he receives separate ratings for right knee instability and semilunar cartilage condition. However, the appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right leg flexion remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 23, 2016.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's appeal should be remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and providing an addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. Therefore, the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is found to be aggravated by her service-connected PTSD. The claim for service connection for bipolar disorder is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and/or mood disorder is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service connection for psychological disorders. A new VA examination is required to address the Veteran's stressors and determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as he failed to submit the requested information needed to properly adjudicate his claim.