PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and a depressive disorder, finding that new evidence supports her claims. The diagnoses are considered to be related to her fear of hostile military or terrorist activities during her service in Iraq.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran was diagnosed with depression and mood disorder during his active service but also claimed a diagnosis of PTSD related to witnessing a parachute jump accident in 1982. Further development is required to verify the Veteran's participation in Operation Gallant Eagle '82.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD was granted, with the effective date being October 1, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on his ability to work. The case will be adjudicated again after this development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were denied, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection. The claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is granted. The evidence shows new and material information regarding his in-service personal assault which led to current diagnoses of PTSD and depression.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for adjudicating the merits of the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability but denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The decision is mixed as it grants one claim and denies another.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss. The claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board found that the Veteran's insomnia and psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected sarcoidosis.,VA will schedule a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has a disability manifested by cramping of the upper and lower extremities that is caused or aggravated by his service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder, NOS has been primarily manifested by intrusive thoughts, insomnia, nightmares, depression, anger, irritability, hypervigilance, avoidance, isolation, anxiety, suspiciousness, impaired judgment, and disturbances of motivation and mood. This symptomatology has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity throughout the entire period on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 2009, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned an initial evaluation. The Veteran's increased rating claims for cervical strain, right knee strain, left ankle strain, and TDIU will be readjudicated following the hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of August 3, 2005, the date the Veteran initially filed his claim. The issues of service connection for low back and cervical spine disabilities, as well as whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD due to newly received evidence confirming a diagnosis of PTSD. However, the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection as they are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, which meets the minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable without regard to age or non-service-connected disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to September 28, 2012 and increased to 70 percent from that date forward.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and any recent treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current seizure disability or right shoulder condition, and therefore, his claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.