PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD was primarily manifested by depressed mood, anxiety without panic attacks, intermittent suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control with periods of violence, and mild memory loss prior to June 1, 2011. From June 1, 2011 to November 17, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was characterized by fluctuations in mood, persistent auditory hallucinations, infrequent visual hallucinations, and impaired impulse control akin to unprovoked irritability with periods of violence.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted, but the earliest possible effective date is November 12, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depressive symptoms and IBS have been granted increased evaluations, resulting in a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.,Since April 14, 2014, the Veteran is entitled to an increased evaluation of 70 percent for his PTSD with depressive symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that it warrants a higher rating of 100 percent since March 31, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent from September 4, 2007. The combined rating of his service-connected disabilities (PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and erectile dysfunction) meets the threshold percentage rating standards to be considered for individual unemployability under VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an initial 30 percent disability rating, effective May 14, 2010. The appellant's appeal is now remanded to the Board due to a failure to provide adequate reasons and bases for denying a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, did not manifest in service or is related to any event during service. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that the current psychiatric disability is not related to service or any event, injury, or disease during service.

The Board granted service connection for tension headaches with photophobia and assigned a disability rating of 30 percent effective April 29, 2016.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence does not support service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety and depressive disorders, not otherwise specified, and PTSD; increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, boutonniere deformity of the right little finger, degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, and residuals of a right wrist injury have been denied. The Veteran's claims are currently under appellate status.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment and anxiety disorders, is currently rated at 50 percent effective November 21, 2015. The rating remains unchanged as the evidence does not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not etiologically related to active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and updating the claims file with any newly associated evidence. The Veteran's most current mailing address will also be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence relevant to his TDIU claim. His hearing loss issue remains pending and will be addressed in a future decision.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for CFS and Substance Abuse has been withdrawn. The Board granted service connection for PTSD as a result of in-service personal assault stressors, but denied service connection for the other psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to his service-connected PTSD with major depression, and the Board finds service connection for hypertension is warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent for the period starting March 8, 2010. The Board also found that he meets the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board finds no evidence to support service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and concluded that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to his active service.