PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective March 16, 2005.,The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted, and his PTSD is currently rated at the maximum allowable evaluation.

The Veteran is seeking a higher initial disability evaluation for his service-connected PTSD. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional examination and possible SSA records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) have been denied. The evidence received since previous decisions does not provide a basis to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence submitted by the Veteran. However, it was determined that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The initial compensable evaluation and increased rating claim for residuals of laceration scar over right eye was denied, as the scars do not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation. The claim for an increased evaluation for fracture at the distal head of the right fifth metacarpal (dominant) was also denied. Service connection for hypertension, secondary to herbicide exposure, and service connection for a right arm disorder were both denied. PTSD was granted as incurred in active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, attempting to obtain SSA administrative decision(s), scheduling a VA examination, and providing appropriate VCAA notice.

The case is being remanded due to the Veteran's desire for a hearing and the need to issue an SOC on the service connection issues.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by symptoms such as isolation, flashbacks, insomnia, panic attacks approximately 2-3 times per week and moderate to severe depression. The VA examiner found that these symptoms warrant a 50 percent rating for PTSD.

The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran has PTSD as a result of exposure to rocket and mortar attacks during active military service, leading to a finding that PTSD was incurred in active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The case is being returned for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is as likely as not related to a personal assault he experienced during service, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, federal disability retirement records, and allowing the Veteran an opportunity to provide information regarding his claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain private treatment records and a VA examination to address the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including whether they are related to service-connected disabilities or due to an injury or other event during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Major Depression are due, in part, to an in-service military sexual trauma (MST) and have granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent, and he is not entitled to TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining employment records and conducting VA examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent disabling prior to August 8, 2011. The evidence showed occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and chronic sleep impairment.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain Vet Center treatment records and ensure compliance with previous directives.