PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Board videoconference hearing. The RO will attempt to schedule an appropriate hearing in accordance with applicable procedures.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in the October 1993 rating decision that granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of December 8, 1992. The Veteran's January 1967 request was not considered a claim for disability compensation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for adjustment disorder with depressed mood, finding that it is at least as likely as not caused by a personal assault during his military service. The claim for PTSD was denied due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to a stressor involving the death of a fellow service member via accidental discharge of a service weapon, which was corroborated. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from August 23, 2010. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher initial rating of 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, will be remanded to allow for additional development of her claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective October 2011. The disability picture most closely approximates occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the hips, shoulders and knees, are found to preclude substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional records, including treatment from the Veteran Center.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and depression, were not incurred in service. The VA examiner determined that these conditions are related to his substance abuse issues and personality disorder rather than his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence is at least in equipoise that he has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service, including fear of hostile military activity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD due to a need for further development and verification regarding an in-service stressor. The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD based on his reported assault by a police officer during service, which resulted in loss of consciousness.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, was rated at 50 percent prior to May 31, 2011. The evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas as required for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication due to inconsistencies in the decision-making process and need for clarification of facts.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 9, 2005. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating for this period and granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and provide a GAF score.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to November 28, 2012 and at 70 percent thereafter. The Board granted a higher rating of 70 percent for the service-connected PTSD throughout the appeal period.