PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability do not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, service connection for right knee disability, service connection for left knee disability, or TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for psychiatric disorders and sleep apnea, including a need to corroborate stressors and obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development related to the Veteran's alleged stressors, including obtaining Morning Reports and verifying his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Updated VA treatment records since April 2010 should also be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received after the last adjudication, and an SSOC must be issued before the claim is returned to the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD disability picture was found to be best characterized as occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to May 13, 2013. From that date, total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD symptoms is not shown.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an opinion on the impact of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD on his ability to work. The appeal is not yet decided and will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD with MDD, left shoulder condition, right and left knee conditions, pseudofolliculitis barbae, tinnitus, and right knee condition, have resulted in a combined rating of 90 percent. The Veteran is therefore eligible for TDIU.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following any substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the grant of service connection, and he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has vacated the January 4, 2018 decision and dismissed all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 25, 2003, due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 10, 2003 and was increased to 70 percent effective February 3, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder, effective May 20, 2010. The Veteran's symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 24, 2007. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for PTSD and grants a TDIU from November 20, 2012, to May 18, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but his subjective factors do not allow him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran experienced a traumatic event in service and was diagnosed with PTSD. The issues of special monthly compensation based on sterility due to epididymitis, total disability rating based on individual unemployability, and cause of death are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective August 4, 2017. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, problems with memory, hypervigilant thoughts, and impaired judgment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, effective September 3, 2009. The left knee condition was not factually ascertainable prior to that date and an earlier effective date is denied. The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period from December 25, 2008, forward has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but not total occupational and social impairment. The Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent for PTSD.

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