PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD with OCD has been rated at 50 percent, effective August 9, 2010. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment due to mild to moderate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, and occasional panic attacks.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and clarification of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's anxiety and PTSD symptoms have worsened, leading to hospitalization and police intervention. The Board has determined that the current ratings are appropriate for different time periods.

The Board has remanded the case for proper notice and a new VA examination, as well as for obtaining any further relevant treatment records. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also before the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to May 12, 2003 and denied for a higher rating.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's sleep apnea had its clinical onset during his period of active service, and grants service connection for sleep apnea on a direct basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development regarding the credibility of the Veteran's stressor accounts and the need for a new psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD, depression and dysthymia are related to his in-service jeep accident, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and post concussion headaches have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 1, 2003.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for PTSD and calluses of both feet, as new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's claim for PTSD remains pending with a determination on its merits.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been manifested by swelling and popping, but no objective evidence of lateral instability or recurrent subluxation. The claims for increased ratings were denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD, MDD, anxiety disorder, and depression is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and providing a new opinion from a VA examiner. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered after this process.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and major depressive disorder, is related to his service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including depression. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected PTSD and Tourette syndrome, as well as a claim for TDIU, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, dysthymia and adjustment disorder with anxiety, all of which are found to be related to his service in Vietnam. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD effective May 26, 2010. The Veteran's claim of an earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure a complete record upon which to decide his claims, including VA examinations and the provision of all necessary records.