PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and posttraumatic stress disorder, have rendered him unable to use his lower extremities without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. The RO is directed to review the evidence and determine if he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from February 1, 2016. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for a higher rating prior to this date and granted service connection for lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression claims are being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current state of her disabilities. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricably intertwined nature with the PTSD and depression claims.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been rated at 50 percent since July 27, 2010. Since March 7, 2017, the rating has increased to 70 percent. The Board finds that his symptoms more closely approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a current VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas, but did not result in total occupational and social impairment. The Veteran is granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and found that new evidence supports a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service. Service connection is granted.

For the period prior to August 23, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.,From August 23, 2012, to December 1, 2015, his PTSD symptoms approximated those required for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and remanded it for further development. The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are currently under consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD is related to his CVA residuals, and to consider an article submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to March 24, 2016 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The Board found that the disability picture did not warrant a higher rating during this period.,Starting from March 24, 2016, the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in total social and occupational impairment, so the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and service-connected right knee disability did not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to September 15, 2006. The Board found that his other service-connected conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder and lumbosacral strain, also did not render him unemployable.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and needs further development before a decision can be made.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence received since the final decisions is either cumulative or redundant of previous evidence.

The Veteran's claims for left chest, back and arm pain and numbness, PTSD, and hypertension have been reopened. However, the preponderance of evidence is against service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD and low back disability have been granted, but the effective dates are not specified. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD rating remains at 10 percent prior to April 23, 2013 and at 30 percent thereafter. The Board finds that additional development is necessary due to conflicting medical evidence of record regarding the current state of the Veteran's disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, are found to be related to his military service.