PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD and recurrent major depressive disorder, has been rated at 70 percent since December 21, 2002.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms are not related to his military service, including his reported stressful experiences in Kosovo. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran did not meet the DSM-IV definition of PTSD and that his diagnoses were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and his bronchitis claim was denied. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Board granted an effective date of May 26, 1992 for a 70% evaluation for PTSD. The Veteran's intent to file a claim prior to this date was not established.

The Board found that there is no credible evidence establishing the occurrence of the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors, and thus denied his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and granted service connection for a right knee disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and PTSD. The right knee disability is related to INACDUTRA service in 1993-1995. Obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during active duty service. PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The underlying issue of service connection will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by depression, anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, episodic passive suicidal ideation, impaired memory and concentration, hypervigilance, impaired judgment and insight, and constricted affect. For the initial rating period prior to September 5, 2008, a higher disability rating of 50 percent has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. He will also be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to assess his PTSD and a VA audiological examination to evaluate his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to November 15, 2011. The RO increased the rating to 50 percent effective from November 15, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect. The VA examiners found that the Veteran has significant occupational impairment from nonservice-connected conditions such as shortness of breath, low back condition, and memory loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection due to new evidence received during the appeal period, and because of concerns regarding the diagnosis and etiology of his psychiatric disabilities. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an initial rating of 70 percent, effective August 30, 2005. Effective dates for service connection have also been established.

Your claims for reopening service connection for bipolar disorder and PTSD are being remanded to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further review. You will be scheduled for a Board hearing at your local office.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination and consideration of the issues related to PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disability was granted, and the effective date is set at July 13, 1998, based on his initial submission of a claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, dysthymia, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted effective from August 22, 1972, based on new evidence received in July 1995.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities and their relationship to service. The Veteran is requested to undergo a VA examination for an opinion on the etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorders.