PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 27, 2013. The Board granted a higher rating for the entirety of the appeal period.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD for VA compensation purposes, and the Board finds that service connection is denied.

The Veteran is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Anxiety Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder, as his symptoms are related to combat stressors during his service.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse is rated at 100 percent disabling, effective January 27, 2010. The combined evaluations of his other service-connected disabilities are 60 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case for a medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are related to his service. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 13, 2016. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

From October 21, 2010 through April 15, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms such as depression, anxiety, occasional panic attacks, chronic sleep impairment, memory issues, mood disturbances, difficulty adapting to stressful situations, and difficulties in establishing social and work relationships. These symptoms met the criteria for a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent since June 16, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms of impaired impulse control and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships warrant a 70 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including schizophrenia and PTSD. The decision is in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's tension headaches with chronic fatigue are rated at 30 percent prior to October 25, 2016 and increased to 50 percent effective from October 25, 2016. The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol use is currently rated at 70 percent since August 10, 2011.,The Veteran's tension headaches with chronic fatigue are rated at 30 percent prior to March 3, 2008 and increased to 50 percent effective from March 3, 2008. The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder with alcohol use is currently rated at 70 percent since August 10, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault and service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to February 2, 2001 did not render her unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and updating VA outpatient records. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) has also been raised.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder is related to his active military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since March 2014. The VA determined that the symptoms and overall impairment from his PTSD more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to a degree warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD was granted, with the effective date set at the date of receipt of his reopened claim on February 2, 2009.,Both right shoulder and lower back disabilities were reopened based on new evidence submitted since the January 2007 rating decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 12, 2016. Prior to that date, the rating was 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent prior to August 31, 2012 and at 70 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.