PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for TBI, PTSD, and related disabilities. The decision also confirmed a 10% rating for upper lip scars.

The Veteran's PTSD, post-traumatic headaches, and TBI with memory loss and hypersensitivity to sound and light have been granted initial ratings. The PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity throughout the appeal period. The post-traumatic headaches have not met criteria for a higher rating prior to November 16, 2008, but are rated at 30 percent effective that date. The TBI with memory loss and hypersensitivity to sound and light has been granted an initial rating of 40 percent as of October 23, 2008.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and the claim to reopen a back disorder. The Veteran's depression and left hip arthralgia issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service connection claims for PTSD, right thumb injury, and other hand injuries were not granted. The TDIU claim is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request in May 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to January 1, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was initially denied in July 2005, but was granted effective February 9, 2009. The grant of service connection is based on new and material evidence.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for PTSD and a sleep disorder, effective from the date of the withdrawal request.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a low back disorder due to further development being required.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is related to his fear of hostile military activity during service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed disabilities as directly related to service and none can be medically related to residuals of his service connected shell fragment wound. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be unemployable.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the issues of PTSD and a left eye injury has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals for these issues in November 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression. The underlying merits of these claims will be addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD due to military sexual trauma during service, is granted. The right hip and ankle disabilities are dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal for these issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are not related to service or any incident of service and denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a 50 percent rating is warranted based on his symptoms of depression, sleep impairment, intrusive thoughts, irritability, mild memory loss, disturbances of mood and motivation, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records and Social Security Administration disability payment records. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and depression has been reopened, and the Board finds new and material evidence to support her claims. The claim for compensation pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a gynecological disorder is also granted.