PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to incomplete records, including vocational rehabilitation and Vet Center treatment records. The AOJ will seek these records and provide the Veteran with an opportunity to respond.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% disability rating. The evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development, including a need for a VA PTSD examination and updated VA treatment records. The Veteran's psychiatric conditions will be evaluated again.

The Veteran's cause of death was causally related to his service-connected PTSD, and the Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to May 8, 2008 was denied as the evidence did not establish that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran was granted TDIU from June 16, 2005 to March 4, 2007 due to his service-connected PTSD preventing him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied because his service-connected PTSD with depression by way of aggravation did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective February 8, 2010. His right hip scars are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a psychiatric disability other than PTSD, but it remains unclear whether these conditions are related to his military service. The TDIU claim is also pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of updated treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated conditions have been rated at 70 percent since March 14, 2013. The appeal is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, is related to his active service. The claim for psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was also granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has PTSD related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development and consideration of his claims, including a VA examination for PTSD and an assessment of his employability.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted with an effective date of August 8, 2011. The Board found that the November 2007 rating decision denying service connection for a left ankle disorder did not contain CUE and denied reopening the claim for a left ankle disorder.

The Board has determined that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and diagnosed as adjustment disorder and anxiety disorder). As a result, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to the service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since January 19, 2011. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.