PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for PTSD, tinea pedis, and diabetes mellitus. However, the preponderance of the evidence is against the finding that these conditions are related to service.,Service connection was denied for sleep apnea as there is no credible supporting evidence that the Veteran's condition is related to active service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity since September 2, 2010.,Since August 25, 2015, the Veteran's PTSD has not met or approximated criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination. The issues are whether he should receive an increased rating for PTSD and dysthymic disorder, and if so, prior to August 4, 2016, whether he qualifies for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with cognitive disorder is rated at the highest available level (50%) and his TBI with memory loss is rated at 10%. The other conditions are rated appropriately based on their severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, were aggravated by service. Therefore, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's back condition is granted service connection, but his left ankle disability and acquired psychiatric disabilities are denied. The hearing loss claim remains pending.

The Board has ordered an addendum opinion to assess the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability. The claim is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, headaches, and recurrent bartholinitis with a scar) preclude her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 70 percent from August 21, 2015. He also received SMC at the housebound rate effective September 22, 2010.

The Board has denied the claims of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and a bilateral elbow disorder as well as PTSD due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his post traumatic headaches and major depressive disorder, to include PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The evidence does not show that his symptoms meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and alcohol/drug abuse disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type has not been shown to be etiologically related to his active military service.

The Veteran's hypertension and mood disorder with PTSD have been granted initial evaluations, but the hypertension has only received a non-compensable rating prior to June 7, 2016, and a 20 percent rating thereafter. The mood disorder with PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent from March 7, 2008, to July 5, 2009, and increased to 70 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 2011, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.,The Board also found the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's employment as a VA social worker is being reviewed to determine if it constitutes marginal or protected employment due to his service-connected PTSD. If found to be marginal, the Veteran may be eligible for TDIU.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, including the issue of entitlement to a TDIU. As such, the Board dismisses the appeal for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling an examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered after this development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 28, 2009. The Board found that the disability picture does not more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and scar disability did not prevent him from securing or following gainful employment prior to his death in December 2009.