PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The case is being remanded for additional development due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as he is no longer alive.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service personnel records and any outstanding VA treatment records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the appeals related to PTSD, sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder was rated at 50 percent prior to July 8, 2014 and a TDIU was not granted prior to that date.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for a higher rating for PTSD, service connection for a left ankle disability, and TDIU. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of total social impairment or an injury related to service.

The Veteran's schizophrenia was rated at 70 percent prior to January 6, 2009. The Board denied a higher rating for the period before that date.,Prior to December 30, 2011, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board has granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD does not currently meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as his symptoms do not cause occupational and social impairment with more than occasional decrease in work efficiency or intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to January 16, 2015.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability and PTSD, precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary depression has been rated at 70 percent since May 4, 1982, and the Board granted a restoration of his original 10 percent evaluation for neurological manifestations of degenerative joint disease and disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for PTSD, and his current psychiatric disability is not related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 26, 2011, and he is granted TDIU on a schedular basis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than anxiety with depressive disorder and PTSD. The claim of new and material evidence was granted, but the main issue of service connection remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been primarily manifested by symptoms such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, and arousal symptoms. The disability is currently rated at 50 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD resulting from military sexual trauma, finding that there was no credible evidence of the alleged assault and ruling out a diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran also had other diagnosed psychiatric conditions but these were not found to be related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition existed prior to service. The Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are linked to his in-service sexual abuse by priests.