PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, with PTSD features and alcohol abuse, is rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent from June 27, 2007. Prior to that date, the initial rating was 30 percent. The Veteran's symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment since June 27, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not total occupational and social impairment. Bilateral hearing loss has been rated as non-compensable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination and consideration of the amended regulations regarding service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and gunshot wound residuals, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is not shown to meet the criteria for a higher disability rating, as his symptoms do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by mild memory loss, sleep impairment, hyperarousal, anxiety, and some occupational impairment. The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for PTSD under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depression due to new evidence of an in-service stressor related to fear of hostile military activity, as well as a need for further examination regarding his depressive disorder.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, finding no evidence of a verified in-service stressor or direct relationship to service. The claim for reopening the dental disorder was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability and a heart disorder, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The Board also found that any current heart disorder is not caused by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has resolved into remission during the appeal period, resulting in no more than mild impairment to social and occupational functioning. As a result, an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the Veteran's PTSD and respiratory conditions. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for a breathing problem will be addressed after these developments.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his unemployability due to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of VA to obtain mental health treatment records from the Vet Center in Richmond, Virginia. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining these records.

The Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeals for a 100 percent rating for PTSD and a TDIU prior to August 28, 2006. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review these issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not related to his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for residuals of herbicide exposure, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have been granted. His claim for migraine headaches has not been reopened. The Board finds that the Veteran's chronic bronchitis is not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, a depressive disorder, and an anxiety disorder, was incurred in or is otherwise etiologically related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and clarification of the Veteran's psychiatric claims, including a review of his August 2013 examination report.