PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient information regarding his acquired psychiatric disorder and chronic diarrhea, requiring further examination and development.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by total occupational and social impairment prior to January 15, 2013. The Board found that the severity of his PTSD symptoms most closely approximated the criteria for a 100 percent rating during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability throughout the period on appeal prior to December 20, 2013. As of December 20, 2013, his PTSD was shown to cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Veteran met the schedular rating criteria for TDIU as of December 20, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from January 25, 2009. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his occupational and social functioning.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate examinations and need for further analysis of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's combined rating was determined to be 90 percent, effective November 14, 2011. The Board found that the current ratings were accurate and an increased rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depression, has not more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment for any period prior to November 5, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has found that this rating adequately reflects his disability level. The Veteran also meets criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports that his current PTSD is related to an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 3, 2007.,Effective December 16, 2007, the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD.,Basic eligibility for DEA benefits under Chapter 35 was established effective December 16, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Board also granted a TDIU based on service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to October 22, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are rated at 70 percent since December 24, 2008. The effective date for the grant of TDIU is set to December 24, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is related to his service in the Republic of Vietnam. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and major depressive disorder do not render him unemployable, as he has been employed full-time since May 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his employment history and VA treatment records. The Board will then consider the TDIU claim in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and bilateral hearing loss are related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective October 30, 2013. His posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been rated as 50 percent disabling since prior to September 14, 2012.,Both conditions have been granted and are assigned the appropriate ratings based on their severity.