PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on the Veteran's in-service stressor related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity, and found that the Veteran's lay testimony alone was sufficient to establish the occurrence of the claimed stressor.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the occupational impact of his service-connected PTSD on his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not result in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood during the period from October 4, 2011 to January 5, 2016. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling since June 20, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU was dismissed due to the failure to file a timely Substantive Appeal after receiving the SOC.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated as 10 percent prior to August 16, 2017 and 20 percent thereafter. The evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disability is related to alcohol use and not service, thus denying service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and found new and material evidence to support reopening. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and schizoaffective disorder) and low back disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's PTSD, effective August 4, 2008. The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent was denied.

The Veteran failed to report for necessary VA examinations, resulting in the denial of claims for increased ratings and service connection.,A right hand disorder other than status post right 5th finger fracture with deformity was not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's ischemic heart disease was less likely than not caused by exposure to herbicide agents in service or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The Board also determined that the Veteran's sole service-connected disability, PTSD, did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 90%, which satisfies the regulatory threshold for a TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating. The Veteran is also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification of the Veteran's psychiatric disability diagnoses and a new examination to address the etiology of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 20, 2010. Prior to that date, the Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating.,The Veteran is also entitled to TDIU effective from September 29, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his military service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder has been granted, with the condition having onset during his active duty service.,The Veteran's appeal seeking service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's post-operative residual of left foot fracture is rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 30 percent. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 70 percent, and his bilateral pes planus is rated at the minimum schedular disability rating of 10 percent.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of anxiety, PTSD, and depression are linked to service exposure, particularly her in-service stressors. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal was remanded due to the need for a supplemental statement of the case and an additional VA examination. The appeal is now pending again.