PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including myocardial infarction, PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's attorney has withdrawn the appeal for reopening a claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including major mood disorder and PTSD. The appeals for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee and for TDIU have also been withdrawn.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective September 27, 2005, due to his service-connected disabilities including PTSD and diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and finds no link between his Major Depressive Disorder and military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD increased in severity on January 14, 2000 and met the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation from that date.,The Veteran was unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities since January 14, 2000.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, are related to his service, specifically a physical assault during service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 29, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD due to insufficient consideration of the GAF scores and need for a VA examination. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and granted the claim as it is determined that there was a verified in-service stressor and a link between current symptoms and military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying in-service stressors. The Veteran will also undergo a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with the TDIU issue being resolved in his favor since November 2, 2010. The left and right knee disabilities are rated at 30% and 10%, respectively.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder has been found to result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% rating.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for asbestosis and granted a 30 percent rating for PTSD, effective from the date of the August 2008 decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 11, 2009. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as flattened affect, difficulty understanding complex commands, and impairment in short- and long-term memory.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and issuance of a SOC regarding the issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of service connection for a left foot disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants service connection for this disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for aid and assistance of others for dressing, bathing, and feeding. The Veteran is also prone to falls due to his service-connected disabilities, necessitating regular aid and attendance.