PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral tinea pedis, tinea cruris, and asbestosis have all been denied. The Board found that there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors related to fear of hostile enemy activity, no verified exposure to herbicides or asbestos during service, and insufficient medical evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and are related to his reported military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Vet Center records and a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, claiming it is related to an in-service personal assault. The Board has ordered additional development including obtaining service personnel records and providing the Veteran with information on how to corroborate his claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The issues of service connection for a back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, are pending.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is moot as he has been granted a 100% schedular rating and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s). The appeal of the psychiatric disorder claims is also dismissed as they are encompassed within his now service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current PTSD is causally related to his service, specifically a non-combat parachuting incident in October 1975 and a near-drowning experience during submarine training in January 1977. Therefore, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 70 percent disabling, effective April 13, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD was denied as the evidence did not establish a current disability and there was no link between his claimed in-service stressors and his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression have been granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective May 12, 2009. The disability is characterized by reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, circumstantial speech, impaired judgment, and disturbances of motivation and mood.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in reduced reliability and productivity prior to March 8, 2013. From March 8, 2013 onward, the Veteran displayed occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to his symptoms of depression, anxiety, memory loss, and difficulty maintaining relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have improved, but they still represent severe symptoms incompatible with gainful employment.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and recurrent major depressive disorder, which are found to be related to his service. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and an additional VA examination of the left knee. The effective date claim will be addressed in a statement of the case.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 50 percent since December 1999. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating throughout the claim period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, adjustment disorder, and PTSD, is a result of injury during her service. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.