PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, were denied. The claim of service connection for a disability manifested by tremors was also denied, but the RO found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating this claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected due to a credible in-service stressor related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining service personnel records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, chronic sleep impairment, irritability, social discomfort, hypervigilance, and intrusive memories. The Board found that these symptoms suggest no more than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD and adjustment disorder have been rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to service-related stressors and whether fear of hostile action during active service contributed to his condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors are sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD and linking his current symptoms to these events.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 19, 2013. This rating is in line with the severity of his symptoms and impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD was denied as her psychiatric disability is unrelated to an injury, disease or event in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA addendum opinion and providing VCAA notice regarding secondary service connection.

The most probative evidence of record does not demonstrate that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability due to inconsistencies in his statements and military records, as well as potential exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity for a VA examination to determine if any of his psychiatric disabilities are related to or had their onset during service.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence causes disturbances in mood, occupational functioning, and social relationships due to symptoms such as impaired impulse control and occasional suicidal ideation. The disability results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, personal relations, and mood, but not total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, MDD, MDD with psychotic features, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her claims file.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain relevant records and provide necessary examinations. The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, PTSD/Depression, and a respiratory disability are on appeal.

The Veteran's appeals for hepatitis A, tinea versicolor, right foot arthritis, left ankle injury residuals, and PTSD were withdrawn. The Veteran was granted service connection for hypertension and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. His initial ratings for PTSD and right shoulder dislocation residuals with degenerative changes have been increased to 70% and 30%, respectively.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after any necessary actions are taken.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, paranoid schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder, are related to his service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.