PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the evidence does not support a finding that any other acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with a history of bipolar disorder, along with his other conditions, warrants an increased disability rating and TDIU from October 28, 1993 to June 3, 2008. The Veteran also received SMC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressor events and a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disabilities are related to service.

The Board found no evidence of a cervical spine disability in service or within one year post-service, and concluded that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is not related to his military service. The claims for PTSD and depression were also denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressed mood was initially granted and rated at 30 percent prior to May 13, 2010. Since then, the rating has been increased to 50 percent effective October 25, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of transient or mild symptoms and decrease in work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks only during periods of significant stress. The criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for additional nonservice-connected pension benefits has been granted, but the financial status of the Veteran needs to be reassessed due to a change in his income.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as his first claim for disability compensation benefits related to PTSD was received on September 22, 2009.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to an inability to schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by near continuous depression, suicidal ideation with planning, and obsessional rituals. The Board finds that the disability picture more nearly approximates a 70 percent rating for service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA mental health clinical treatment records and a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and DM II do not preclude him from pursuing any substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently evaluated at a 50 percent rating, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of this amount.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to December 14, 2006 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of symptoms resulting in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating. The respiratory disability claim was denied as there is no evidence it originated during service or is otherwise related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination. The TDIU claim also requires an updated opinion regarding the Veteran's employability.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective July 24, 2012. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher initial rating are not met, but he remains eligible for TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is not related to a verified in-service stressor, his claimed in-service sexual assault.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA mental disorders examination. The Veteran's representative was also given an opportunity to submit a VA Form 646.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as his claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted by the AMC prior to the Board making a decision.