PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to a personal assault during military service, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise and applying the benefit of the doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been productive of moderate to significant occupational and social impairment, without deficiencies in most areas. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen several service connection claims, including for tinnitus, back disability, pes planus, jaw disability (claimed as TMJ/prognathism), PTSD, right leg disability, sinusitis, and mitral valve prolapse. The Veteran's claims are currently under review.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a fractured left fibula was granted. The claim for service connection for bipolar disorder was reopened and granted. Service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, low back disability, and fractures of the left foot/toes were denied. Compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left toe fractures was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing the Veteran with notice regarding alternative sources of evidence to support his claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective September 18, 2006. The rating has been increased to 70 percent as of July 25, 2013.

The Veteran's initial claim for PTSD prior to September 9, 2013 was denied as his symptoms did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent. On and after September 9, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent due to reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of evidence, including a VA examination and consideration of new evidence. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in work, family relations, thinking, and mood. The Board finds that a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD is warranted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, needs further review and additional evidence must be obtained before a decision can be made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding medical records and scheduling a TDIU examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on a confirmed in-service stressor. His hypertension and skin disability are being remanded for further development to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD are found to be related to service, but his other psychiatric conditions do not have a direct link. Bilateral hearing loss and stomach disorder claims are pending.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for further examination to determine his eligibility.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal of the increased evaluation for service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if he meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and whether his current symptoms are related to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was not addressed in this decision. The Board found that the Veteran has hepatitis C related to his military service and granted service connection for hepatitis C.