PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, consisting of PTSD and a depressive disorder, did not result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to October 21, 2015. After this date, the condition resulted in such impairment but was still not severe enough for a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. However, the evidence does not establish that the Veteran engaged in combat or that his claimed stressor is related to a fear of hostile military activity. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 10 percent rating prior to June 28, 2013. Effective from June 28, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to a Board decision, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been rated at 70 percent, effective from November 5, 2012. The Board has found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his symptoms not warranting total social and occupational impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of fractures of the fourth and fifth toes of the left foot, bilateral leg disability (lumbar radiculopathy), neck disability, and left hand disability. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depressive disorder) is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his PTSD. Service connection for colon removal was granted based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and further development of his TDIU claim.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective from November 23, 2011. The appeal was limited to this specific issue.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected, and his hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The Veteran also did not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of depressive disorder, NOS is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's TMJ dysfunction has been rated at 10 percent since February 16, 2017. The condition is characterized by inter-incisal range of more than 40 mm and lateral excursion greater than 4mm.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder is granted, resolving all doubt in his favor. His acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a cerebral concussion (claimed as a head injury) and a psychiatric disorder are being reconsidered.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD is rated at 70 percent. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Board found that the current psychiatric disability is not causally related to service and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was shown to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating from October 20, 2011 to September 27, 2017. The effective dates for the ratings are provided.

The Veteran withdrew the remaining claims for service connection for residuals of a neck injury, residuals of a low back injury, sinusitis and PTSD.