PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that it would warrant a higher rating. The evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that the evidence does not warrant such ratings based on the clinical findings from VA examinations over the appeal period. The claim for TDIU is referred to the RO.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance from another person or by reason of being housebound due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder with PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from November 21, 2011.

The evidence does not establish a diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder related to service, and the Veteran did not meet the criteria for such diagnoses in VA examinations. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Veteran's cause of death was a cerebrovascular event, which the VA examiner opined is not likely caused by his service-connected disabilities. The Board therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's symptoms do not meet the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, and thus service connection is denied.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's pre-existing schizophrenia was not aggravated during military service beyond normal progression. The most probative evidence did not show a psychiatric disability incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen his left knee disability claim. The psychiatric disorder and acid reflux claims were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves the reopening of a claim for service connection for seizure disorder and the initial rating assigned for PTSD. The Board has remanded these matters due to scheduling issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether his current PTSD is related to his military service. The Veteran was exposed to combat during his temporary assignment in Vietnam and has a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for service-connected left forearm scars has been granted, with the effective date set at May 12, 2009. The earlier effective date claim for the 40 percent disability rating for the service-connected back disability was not met.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not show that his disability picture more nearly approximates a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to outstanding VA medical records and the need for a new VA psychiatric examination. The case will be returned to the Board for further appellate consideration.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on verified in-service stressors and a qualifying DSM-IV diagnosis. The appeal was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be manifested by symptoms such as depression, impaired concentration and focus, lack of motivation, and social isolation, which most closely approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board granted a 50 percent disability rating for PTSD through May 12, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection for PTSD and for increased ratings for his depressive disorder, lumbar strain with radiculitis, right tibia and fibula fracture residuals, and recurrent lumbar strain. The issue of TDIU is also pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with a rating of 30 percent effective March 14, 2011. The Veteran's claim was reopened on new evidence received after the initial denial in June 2008.