PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing with the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks due to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks (less than once per week), chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss. The Board granted a 30 percent disability rating for PTSD on and after October 15, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted due to a state of equipoise in the evidence, with the combat presumption being in effect and a link between the Veteran's symptoms and his in-service stressors.

The Board has reopened the issue of whether the appellant's character of discharge from service is a bar to VA benefits due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the appellant's mental health at the time of his unauthorized absences.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the initial grant of service connection. The Board found that the disability picture did not warrant a higher rating, as it did not meet the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 are being remanded due to incomplete opinions regarding the validity of her diagnoses, the proper administration of medications, and the relationship between her disabilities and service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to September 17, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD was a primary cause of his death, and thus granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his in-service combat experiences, and the Board finds that service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and erectile dysfunction have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied due to lack of a diagnosis meeting DSM-IV criteria. The Board found no current diagnosed disability and thus, service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, and his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has determined that service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted due to PTSD, which was found to be related to his military service.

The Board found no credible evidence of an in-service stressor, specifically a personal assault leading to PTSD. The Veteran's claims were denied as there was insufficient evidence to support the occurrence of the alleged event.

The Board is reopening the claim of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea due to new and material evidence. However, rather than immediately readjudicating this claim on its underlying merits, the Board remands it for further development. The Veteran's PTSD continues to be rated at 50%.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling until March 20, 2013, and then as 70 percent disabling. His CAD remains at a 30 percent rating. The combined rating is now 80 percent. Additionally, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to work, qualifying for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and right shoulder osteoarthritis are still pending and require additional development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, are found to be incurred in service due to a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 2008, and he is now entitled to a TDIU effective January 17, 2013.