PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD and disability of the fifth cranial nerve secondary to bilateral glaucoma, as well as her claim for a rating in excess of 80 percent for bilateral glaucoma.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to June 6, 2013. The rating has since been increased to 50 percent effective from June 6, 2013.

The Veteran is granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for PTSD prior to September 5, 2007 and a rating in excess of 30 percent from September 5, 2007 through February 20, 2008.

The Veteran's disability rating for PTSD was reduced from 70 percent to 50 percent effective August 28, 2008. The RO later restored the 70 percent rating on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted effective June 12, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence is factually ascertainable for a 100% rating prior to this date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since September 7, 2007. For the period from June 12, 1993 to December 3, 2001, a 50% rating is granted.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and insomnia, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not related to his military service or a service-connected disability. The claim for higher initial rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and for VA examinations. The issues of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and TDIU are inextricably intertwined and will be deferred until the development is completed.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his PTSD was dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD due to missing medical records and a need for a new examination. The case will be returned to the Board after these issues are addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate VA medical opinions and other procedural issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and an addendum opinion from a VA clinical psychologist or psychiatrist regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to individual unemployability for further development, including a VA examination and an opinion regarding the combined effect of all service-connected disabilities on the Veteran's ability to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent prior to May 15, 2013. His alcohol dependence and marijuana abuse are each rated at 70 percent. The rating for his compulsive gambling remains at 70 percent. However, the decision on these issues is mixed as some conditions have been granted while others remain unchanged.

The Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, were not incurred in service. The evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD or establish a link between current symptoms and military service.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, related to his active service.

The Board found that there was not clear, credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressor and concluded that service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD with depression, could not be established. The issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss from June 30, 2008 is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depression NOS, and anxiety NOS is being remanded due to inconsistencies in the medical record and need for clarification regarding pre-existing conditions.