PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was manifested by symptoms no greater than productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), resulting in a rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected psychiatric disorder and additional records procurement.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 5, 2012. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as nightmares, chronic sleep disturbances, feelings of anger and irritability, depression, isolation, low motivation, memory loss, diminished interest in activities, occasional thoughts of hurting others, and suicidal ideation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as the evidence did not show that he met the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to March 14, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and MDD are causally related to stressors in service, which have been corroborated by credible supporting evidence. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, dysthymic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder), finding that there was no in-service injury or event related to these conditions, nor continuous symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to try and independently verify the Veteran's claimed stressor and determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as a result of his military service.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining in-service mental health clinic records and seeking more current post service psychiatric treatment records. The claims will be re-adjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The Board also found that there is credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressors and a link between current symptoms and those events, thus granting service connection for PTSD. However, further examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has any other psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) due to service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on September 15, 2009 at Lake City Medical Center were reimbursed because the treatment was for a service-connected condition (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent and he has been granted a TDIU effective July 2, 2008. The Board remanded the case to determine earlier effective dates for these decisions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on her military sexual trauma and fear of hostile military activity during her deployment in Iraq.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, are found to be related to his in-service combat experiences. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated at a 50 percent rating prior to December 19, 2012. The Board granted an evaluation of 70 percent disabling for the period beginning December 19, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be so severe that it prevents him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current sleep apnea did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty. The Board also determined that it is not etiologically related to a service-connected disability, specifically PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, but not total impairment. The disability rating of 70 percent was granted for the period from November 16, 2001 to January 22, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unemployable for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. A VA psychiatric examination is also required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.