PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal includes a claim for an increased rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder and a TDIU prior to May 31, 2012. The case is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records and provide additional medical opinions.

The VA granted an initial 50 percent disability rating for PTSD, effective March 12, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was initially rated at 30 percent prior to December 9, 2004. It has since been increased to 50 percent effective from December 9, 2004 and then to 100 percent effective from May 11, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to his in-service stressors and pre-existing conditions. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with alcohol abuse and major depression and bilateral hearing loss, occurred no earlier than December 11, 2007.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for schizophrenia and depression, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea due to internal inconsistencies in the psychiatric examination. The claim of service connection for PTSD is also remanded for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and consideration, including obtaining VA examination reports and any outstanding records of private treatment. The Veteran will have an opportunity to respond and provide additional evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD was not incurred in service and did not manifest within one year of separation, thus denying service connection for PTSD. For psychiatric disability other than PTSD, the Board concluded there is no evidence to support a finding that any such condition was related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was not manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to January 12, 2012. For the period beginning on January 12, 2012, his PTSD did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of whether referral for TDIU on an extraschedular basis is warranted.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder was evaluated at a 50% rating effective October 31, 2007. The RO found that the condition warranted this evaluation during the period from October 31, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are related to his service. The claim will be readjudicated based on all psychiatric diagnoses found.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination to assess his PTSD symptoms, and considering his claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal in its entirety at the October 2012 Board hearing.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and granted service connection for chondromalacia of the right knee. The psychiatric claim was remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset or etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination. The Veteran may also submit lay statements from individuals who have first-hand knowledge of his psychiatric symptoms.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his PTSD claim has been granted. However, the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left hip disability is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD with bipolar mood disorder was found to cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.