PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a review of his November 2014 VA psychiatric examination report and because both his PTSD claim and TDIU claim are inextricably intertwined. The claims will be readjudicated after obtaining the requested records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits records. The case will be reviewed after these actions are completed.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to military sexual trauma, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities, effective from March 1, 2007. The decision also noted that his service-connected dermatitis does not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent prior to December 5, 2016 and as 70 percent from December 5, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The issue of ischemic heart disease has been addressed separately and no new rating was granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and Adjustment Disorder, due to credible evidence of in-service stressors and current diagnoses.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with a history of PTSD is shown to have been productive of symptoms that included anxiety, depression, and sleep impairment but not occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, does not meet the criteria for service connection due to a lack of credible evidence supporting an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 10, 2008, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent since July 15, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to May 21, 2013, and 70 percent thereafter. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, and his bilateral hearing loss was rated at 50 percent. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a TDIU or SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The issues of service connection for skin disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, gastrointestinal disability, and muscle spasm (undiagnosed illness) are still pending.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary due to the Veteran's reported worsening of PTSD symptoms and his recent testimony indicating he requires assistance with driving, concentration, and socialization. The AOJ should also obtain all outstanding records from Loma Linda Hospital.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination, including SSA records and VA treatment records. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD, a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, and TDIU are all part of this appeal.