PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a rating of 50 percent, which is the highest available under the General Rating Formula for evaluating psychiatric disabilities other than eating disorders. The Veteran's symptoms have most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his PTSD and right knee strain.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and anxiety disorder were rated at a 30 percent prior to February 3, 2012. After that date, the rating was increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim, but further development is needed before a final determination can be made.

The Board has remanded the claim for an increased rating for PTSD due to a lack of VA examination and outstanding records. The Veteran is presumed to seek the maximum available benefit.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the initial evaluations for PTSD in excess of 30 percent prior to April 18, 2011, and in excess of 70 percent thereafter.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board, citing satisfaction with his disability evaluation and desire not to pursue an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for alcohol abuse, including as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and verifying inservice stressors.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The case is being remanded for additional development related to the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and depression, including verification of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to June 15, 2009. The Board granted a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not engage in combat or provide credible evidence of a stressor related to fear of hostile military activity. As such, his PTSD claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to concerns about the adequacy of the PTSD examination and the need to obtain relevant VA treatment records.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and the competent medical opinions state that his anxiety disorder did not manifest until approximately 50 years after active service and is unrelated to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, traumatic degenerative joint disease of the right 5th metatarsal, low back injury with compression fracture of L1, pleural plaques, and hemorrhoids, have prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 10 percent disability rating prior to March 2, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as his reported in-service stressors are consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of his service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's ADHD and its relationship to his service-connected PTSD with Bipolar Disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records, additional examination, and consideration of his TDIU claim. The initial PTSD rating remains in dispute.