PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder has been rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports and need for clarification of additional psychiatric diagnoses related to service. The Veteran's claim is reopened on new evidence, but further evaluation is needed to determine if he meets the criteria for a current diagnosis of PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which reflects the severity of his symptoms. The VA examiner found that he has occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II with bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for IHD and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for IHD prior to November 3, 2011 or from November 3, 2011 to November 12, 2013, and that he was not entitled to a TDIU prior to November 3, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a TDIU have been remanded due to the need for additional development. The rating for PTSD has been denied, and the rating for varicose veins of the left leg remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, coronary artery disease, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. As a result, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of a TDIU was dismissed because there was no clear and unmistakable error in the June 2008 rating decision that granted a 70% disability rating for PTSD and a TDIU effective December 14, 2007.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is rated at 70 percent due to total occupational and social impairment. However, the VA adjudicator found that she can maintain employment despite her symptoms, thus denying a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or disease related to his current conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not demonstrate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board denied his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim was also denied by the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70 percent rating from October 31, 2012. A higher rating prior to that date and in excess of 30 percent are denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to July 15, 2016 was denied as his service-connected PTSD did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right lower extremity disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding of current diagnoses or in-service incurrence/aggravation.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been granted a 100% schedular disability rating, effective from January 28, 2015. The low back disability claim is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for painful scar, right index finger was withdrawn by the Veteran.,The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for painful scar, right index finger was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding increased disability ratings for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and/or depression. The examiner is required to provide a new opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.