PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for further evaluation due to a possible change in the disability status.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the September 2010 VA medical opinion is inadequate and remands the case for an addendum to clarify whether the Veteran's bipolar disorder had its clinical onset in service, was manifested within the first post-service year or is otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to the assigned dates for service connection and benefits have been denied as there is no evidence of a claim or entitlement prior to those dates.

The Board has determined that an effective date of November 14, 1989 is warranted for the grant of service connection for PTSD. This was based on the submission of relevant official service department records confirming in-service stressors and a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and retrieval of outstanding mental health records. The case will be reviewed again after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 30 percent, but the RO has now increased it to 100 percent effective October 13, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to conflicting opinions on the diagnosis and relationship to service, as well as the need for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, and panic disorder without agoraphobia were rated at a 50 percent evaluation from November 28, 2007 to January 14, 2009. From January 15, 2009 to April 16, 2009, the Veteran's condition met the criteria for a 70 percent rating due to significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 30, 2008. The Board granted a higher rating but denied entitlement to TDIU.

From October 26, 2007, through April 25, 2010, the Veteran's psychiatric disorder (PTSD) was rated at 30 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD. The RO/AMC will also review the claims file and ensure all necessary actions have been conducted.

The Board has determined that service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including anxiety and depression, is granted based on reopening of the claim due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to June 5, 2006. The Board denied an increased rating and TDIU based on the current symptomatology not meeting criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his PTSD precludes him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his hearing loss and scheduling him for a hearing on his PTSD claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant records and scheduling a VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and for a prior effective date for TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including consideration of the applicable rating criteria before and after November 1996.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated conditions causes significant impairment in social and occupational functioning, warranting a 70 percent disability rating effective April 6, 2011.