PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective May 31, 2011. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is unrelated to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD throughout the appeal period and has also granted TDIU due to service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in marked impairment, including difficulty understanding complex instructions and interacting with coworkers and supervisors.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling since October 13, 2017. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service. The appeal is now in remand status and any outstanding treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent since June 29, 2015. The rating for his posttraumatic stress disorder with adjustment disorder and depressed mood has been increased to 30 percent effective February 6, 2013. His anal fistula cyst remains non-compensable. His digestive disorder is rated at zero percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected major depression and PTSD are being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his psychiatric disabilities, as well as for additional VA treatment records. The TDIU issue is also inextricably intertwined with the rating issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The Veteran was also granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent prior to September 15, 2016 and in excess of 70 percent from September 15, 2016 for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been productive of symptoms more closely approximating occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, thus the claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, and he is awarded a temporary 100% evaluation for hospitalization due to PTSD. The claims for reopening of sleep apnea, higher rating for TBI, and neck disability are remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disabilities, PTSD as secondary to military sexual trauma, and erectile dysfunction. However, it denied these claims on their merits.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for prostate cancer is dismissed. The appeals for service connection for lung disability and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that his symptoms do not cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and service connection for a back disorder are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The effective date of service connection for PTSD is also in question.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not been manifested by total occupational and social impairment during the appeal period, thus his initial disability rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render her housebound or in need of regular aid and attendance, as she is capable of performing most daily functions independently despite physical impairments.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including depression with anxiety, ADD, and PTSD due to military sexual trauma (MST), was not caused or aggravated by a disease or injury in active service. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a connection between the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities and his service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating effective April 8, 2008. The Veteran also receives a TDIU from December 29, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD, dysthymia disorder, and panic disorder are related to an in-service personal assault during a hazing ritual. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.