PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and Social Security Administration information. The case will be adjudicated again to determine what evaluation is warranted for posttraumatic stress disorder from May 2, 1948 to June 17, 2008.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD was granted at a 50 percent level, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service stressor and thus no basis to grant service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional opinions regarding his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation given his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The claim for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD remains pending and requires further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a diagnosis of PTSD related to a confirmed stressor during his active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims for PTSD and depression or dysthymic disorder were not supported by evidence of a confirmed in-service stressor, and thus denied these claims. The claim for service connection for left leg disability was also denied as there is no established link between the condition and active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 15, 2008. The evidence does not show symptomatology comparable to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA mental health examination to diagnose any current psychiatric disorders and determine their etiology, including whether they are related to service or combat exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not impairment or deficiencies in most areas. The VA granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's disability rating for PTSD was reduced from 100 percent to 70 percent in November 2009. The Board has determined that the reduction was not appropriate and restored the original 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling prior to September 21, 2010, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 10 percent since March 5, 2009. The VA examiner found the Veteran to have occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The TDIU claim will also be addressed as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD with anxiety and depression is granted, while the TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new psychiatric examination. The issue of an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for anxiety disorder and PTSD remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety is currently rated at 70 percent, effective September 12, 2012. The Board finds that the earlier effective date of November 20, 2009 should be granted as it aligns with his initial claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Adjustment Disorder with Depression and Anxiety, and a bilateral ankle disorder are under consideration.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD and found that new and material evidence has been submitted. The claims for service connection for colon cancer and hearing loss disability are still pending.