PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to April 27, 2009 were denied as the evidence did not establish entitlement to service connection or a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, arthritis of the hips, arthritis of the knees, a sinus disability, a low back disability, and headaches. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing request and is awaiting further action.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, resulted in significant occupational and social impairment prior to September 22, 2009. The symptoms included depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, anger issues, and problems with social interaction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has found that his diagnosis of PTSD is credible, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since September 17, 2008. The symptoms include depression, anxiety, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, anger, and difficulty in social interactions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent most closely approximates his disability picture.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder was denied as there is no evidence that a prior claim existed before November 2, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected hearing loss and PTSD was denied. His bilateral hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, while his PTSD remains at 50 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder, panic disorder and personality disorder. Further development is required before the underlying merits of the claim can be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as restricted affect, decreased concentration, depression, anxiety, difficulty coping with stress, and nearly total social isolation. These symptoms warrant a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher initial rating for parasomnia at the February 2014 Board hearing. The psychiatric disability claim remains under consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claim at this time.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and dysthymic disorder, are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and hearing loss, as new evidence was received after his death. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and review.