PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, effective October 21, 2010. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of occupational and social impairment due to PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathies, Peyronie's disease, and other conditions, do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his educational background and work experience as an administrator.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 1, 2013. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule him for a VA psychiatric examination. The goal is to determine the current severity of his PTSD and assess any social and industrial impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by end-stage liver failure, which is believed to be related to his heavy drinking. The appellant argues this alcohol use/abuse was associated with or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. However, there is insufficient evidence in the record to determine if the Veteran's PTSD contributed to his alcohol use or abuse, and vice versa. Therefore, a remand is required to obtain an opinion from a VA examiner regarding these issues.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for paranoid schizophrenia due to new and material evidence submitted since the final September 2005 rating decision. The claim is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, with one disability rated at 60 percent (PTSD) and combined rating of 70 percent. The Board finds that he is unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has determined that additional development is required due to the denial of service connection for PTSD and cervical spine osteoarthritis. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further investigation into his claimed in-service stressors and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders are being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of stressors and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The Board also found that there is sufficient evidence of a connection between the Veteran's current condition and his in-service stressors, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to ensure compliance with applicable law. The case will be returned to the Board for further appellate consideration if in order.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his SSA records, schedule him for a VA psychiatric examination, and readjudicate the issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance or is housebound due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA psychiatric examination and Social and Industrial Survey, as well as additional treatment records. The claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU will be adjudicated after the additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as noncompensable prior to April 1, 2013 and since that date. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of anxiety disorder, NOS with PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and securing updated records of his VA psychiatric treatment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional VA treatment records. The claim will be reconsidered based on the updated evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to June 29, 2012 did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of more than 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of serious, but not total, impairment in occupational and social functioning throughout the appeal period. The current level of severity warrants a rating of 70 percent.