PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied. The Board finds that there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder and the Veteran has not provided credible evidence of an in-service stressor resulting in such a disability. However, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the claims of entitlement to increased ratings for PTSD with depression and diabetes mellitus have been dismissed.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and providing opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability. The case will also be referred to VA's Director of Compensation and Pension for consideration of entitlement to a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent evaluation effective September 3, 2003.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent since May 4, 2006. From August 17, 2010, the rating increased to 70 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to fully and fairly consider the appellant's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. This includes obtaining VA medical records from various facilities, Social Security Administration records, and service personnel records.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive symptoms has been productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, but not at the level warranting a higher initial disability rating.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with PTSD features is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has restored the Veteran's disability ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities, including arthritis and instability. The issues of higher evaluations for these conditions remain on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a higher 70 percent since the filing of the claim for service connection on July23, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD, thoracic disc space narrowing, loss of left superior pectoralis muscle, and other service-connected conditions have been granted increased ratings.

The Board found that the appellant did not have a current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and that his claimed stressors were inconsistent with the available evidence. As such, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, as his diagnosis of PTSD is supported by competent medical evidence and related to an in-service personal assault and fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of no more than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal). The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent have not been met or approximated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Board hearing and the need to determine if transportation or videoconference capabilities can be arranged.

The VA determined that the appellant's PTSD did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent from October 13, 2005 to January 10, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and residuals of shell fragment wounds, are found to be severe enough to prevent him from securing or maintaining employment. The Board grants the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, left foot disability resulting from cold weather injury in service, and tinnitus) is 80 percent. This does not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and clarification of his Social Security Administration benefits.