PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is currently rated at 50 percent from July 19, 2013. The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent for the period prior to July 19, 2013.,From July 19, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is manifested by symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals that interfere with his routine activities, unprovoked irritability and difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances. The Board has found these symptoms more nearly approximate a 70 percent rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left eye disabilities, residuals of inner head injury, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently evaluated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation as they are generally consistent with the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. His alcohol dependence was noted to be in remission.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and left ear hearing loss rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from October 22, 1975 through November 30, 1983.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was rated at 70 percent from April 1, 2011 to August 30, 2011 and again from December 1, 2011 to August 14, 2016. From August 15, 2016, the Veteran's PTSD disability was rated at 100 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, can be decided.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of low back disability and bilateral hip disability. The appeal for service connection of acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral hearing loss is granted based on the presumption of service connection due to exposure to loud noise during service. The claim for PTSD remains pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has found the Veteran's current diagnoses of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and imbalance and dizziness. The Board also finds that an in-service stressor occurred during service. However, the VA examiner did not find a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran’s military service. Therefore, the case is remanded for further examination to address the Veteran's complete medical history and determine if his current psychiatric and balance disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has found the Veteran's current diagnoses of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and imbalance and dizziness. The Board also finds that an in-service stressor occurred during service. However, the VA examiner could not provide a nexus opinion due to lack of confirmation of the events and stressors reported by the Veteran. The Board has ordered remand for further examination and opinions on the issues.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The left and right knee disabilities are denied as not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD.

A rating of 70 percent for PTSD from June 27, 2008 to December 7, 2015 is granted.,A rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD since December 8, 2015 is denied.

The Veteran's claims for a higher PTSD rating and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional development, including new examinations.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for alcohol and drug dependency, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, lower back disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been reopened due to new evidence received since previous denials. However, the Board finds that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service or post-service treatment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and rated at 70 percent since December 23, 2015. The decision also addressed the TDIU claim.

The Board has decided the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and/or depression. The case is being remanded due to deficiencies in the VA examinations provided.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. The effective date of service connection for PTSD remains July 19, 1999.