PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings due to an inadequate VA examination, and the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is being reviewed again.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification of his representation and the opportunity to submit a new power of attorney.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran is also to be provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current low back disability and psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with associated diagnoses such as bipolar disorder, dysthymic disorder, chronic mood instability, depression, and anxiety, is attributable to service. The cervical spine disorder, nasal fracture residuals, headache disorder, and gastrointestinal disorder are not attributable to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent from April 30, 2009, due to symptoms including suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, sleep impairment, nightmares, hypervigilance, hyperarousal, avoidance, detachment from others, irritability, limited ability to interact with others, and limited ability to sustain activities of daily living. This causes total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, reflecting total occupational and social impairment. His diabetes mellitus remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 5, 2012, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional service treatment records and Social Security Administration disability records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disabilities are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and conducting VA examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected left foot disorder and anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's disability from PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment resulting in reduced reliability and productivity. The criteria for an initial rating of 50 percent for PTSD have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD has been evaluated at a 30 percent rating since April 30, 2007.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development including obtaining SSA records, updating VA treatment records, and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to new and material evidence having been submitted. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and expanded the claim to include major depressive disorder and an adjustment disorder. The Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to his in-service combat experience.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess his hearing loss, PTSD, and urinary tract stone residuals.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for otitis media and an increased rating for PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary medical opinions and records.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature, etiology, and relationship of these conditions to his military service.