PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied as there is no independent verification of the reported in-service stressor involving the death of his friend. The Board found that the Veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy and therefore, the claimed stressor must be corroborated by credible supporting evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the initial grant of service connection, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities, evaluated as 80 percent disabling, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. Therefore, the Board grants TDIU.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for depression and PTSD, but further development is needed to determine if there was a personal assault during active duty that led to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board also granted TDIU based on service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD and its impact on employment.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including schizoaffective disorder and PTSD. The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is required.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, with a disability rating of 70 percent effective from September 27, 2010. The claim for TDIU due to service-connected PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous examination of his PTSD symptoms, which have reportedly worsened since his last VA examination in June 2010. The case will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD, as the February 2012 examination was deemed inadequate.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) warrants an initial rating of 50 percent, effective January 10, 2011. The Board found that the evidence supported this rating based on the Veteran's consistent symptoms and treatment over time.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for a hearing. The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo and PTSD are currently on appeal.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for higher ratings for her PTSD with major depressive disorder, both prior to and since March 20, 2013.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for organic heart disease. The Veteran does not have PVD, a psychiatric disability including PTSD and depression, hypertension, or a respiratory disability attributable to active service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD was granted, with the effective date being May 10, 2013. The Veteran now receives a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with major depressive disorder with psychotic features, generalized anxiety disorder, and impotence was granted. The condition is considered to have manifested at the time of his June 1982 claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, and his initial rating remains pending as there are no specific ratings assigned.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the Veteran's psychiatric diagnoses and determine if they are related to his service. The Veteran also needs up-to-date VA treatment records, including a copy of Dr. Morales' letter regarding sleep apnea.