PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder with depression and psychotic features due to new evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, residuals of head injury, visual impairment, low back disability, chronic shoulder disability, and right ankle disability. The Veteran's sister provided a statement in June 2011, but it is considered redundant or cumulative.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, anxiety attacks, nightmares, and violent outbursts is rated at 70 percent since August 2, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on service-connected PTSD alone from August 2, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD and service connection for a low back disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show total occupational or social impairment, which is required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that would support the claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and bilateral interstitial fibrosis allegedly related to asbestos exposure during service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his bilateral hearing loss is denied as the highest possible schedular rating of 10 percent has already been assigned. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depression, is also denied due to lack of evidence supporting secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to engage in substantially gainful employment. The issue will be reviewed again after this development.

The Veteran's PTSD with Depression is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 30, 2007. The Board found that the impairment from his service-connected PTSD with Depression more closely approximates deficiencies in most areas than total impairment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the appellant's claim of recognition as a Veteran for VA disability benefits purposes. The case is now remanded for further development, including an examination by a psychologist or psychiatrist.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination assessing the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence does not show more than reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, some memory loss, impaired concentration, anger, and obsessive behavior.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. However, the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and an opinion on whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an appropriate VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded to allow for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new examinations and the acquisition of additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric symptoms, including depression and PTSD, are related to his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.