PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, personality disorder, and PTSD, were not related to his service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to April 2, 2013. The Veteran's PTSD is productive of severe impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The tremors of the head and neck are rated as noncompensable prior to May 3, 2004, and a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted since that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current respiratory and psychiatric conditions are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his active service and these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD and tinnitus are found to be related to service, with the benefit of doubt given in favor of the Veteran. The acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as direct service connection, while tinnitus is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to address issues related to increased ratings for PTSD, major depression, cognitive impairment, TBI-related headaches, and alleged eye symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased evaluations of PTSD and individual unemployability, with the issue of service connection for headaches being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding in-service stressors and proper VCAA notice. The Veteran's address needs to be updated, and he must provide additional details about his claimed stressors.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a rating of 20% effective from the date of the claim. The right ankle disability remains rated at 20%. The temporary total rating for left elbow surgery is denied as there was no prior service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied. The effective date of the grant of service connection for PTSD with depression and panic disorder is September 23, 2009.

The Veteran's left fourth finger disorder and PTSD have been granted service connection, with the left fourth finger disorder receiving a 50% initial rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a more contemporaneous VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service personnel records and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and social anxiety, is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to November 1, 2004 and at 50 percent from November 1, 2004 forward.

The Board has directed that the Veteran undergo additional VA examinations and review of his claims file to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, burn scars, psychiatric disorders, and lung disorder. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, and his cervical spine disability to include fused vertebrae and arthritis also meets the criteria for service connection.

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

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Veteran testified that his PTSD preexisted his last period of active duty in the Navy and was aggravated by his service.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with the restoration of a 40 percent evaluation for thoracolumbar strain aggravating juvenile epiphysitis and an initial increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.