PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and consideration of his claim for a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD and bilateral cataracts. The VA will provide an updated assessment of the impact these conditions have on his ability to work.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to January 16, 2012; 70 percent from January 16, 2012 to August 23, 2012; and 100 percent thereafter. The TDIU claim remains pending as the Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 100 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted service connection and an initial evaluation of 50 percent was assigned, effective the date of claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as he did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling her for a VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, resulted in total occupational and social impairment as of June 1, 2012. His disability rating was increased from 70 percent to 100 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current heart disorders are not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The claims for back disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder (likely PTSD) have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested throughout the entire appeal period by a level of impairment most closely approximating occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his fear of hostile military activity during service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied, and the application to reopen a claim for service connection for a back disability has also been denied. The remaining claims are either not supported by new evidence or do not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a new PTSD examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU has also been raised and must be addressed.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and an evaluation of whether he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated medical records. The issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting a new examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's reported history of pre-existing psychiatric conditions does not constitute clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness at entry into service. The competent and credible evidence fails to support a finding that the Veteran currently has PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, etiologically related to his period of active military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated VA psychiatric treatment records and an examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, family relations, and mood. However, he does not have total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to obtain an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and to address his TDIU claim, which is dependent on his service-connected disabilities.