PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD has not been productive of more than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks prior to February 13, 2013. On and after February 13, 2013, the criteria for a 70 percent rating are met.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, with no specific service connection granted for other conditions. The rating reflects the current level of impairment due to PTSD alone.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which grants a higher rating than the current 50 percent. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss and a left hand disability. The evidence did not meet the criteria to establish current disabilities for VA purposes.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is related to his military service, but he does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD. The appeal for PTSD has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew it.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his claim for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy. The remaining issues of entitlement to higher initial ratings for left ear hearing loss, PTSD with secondary depressive disorder and alcohol dependence, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's death was attributed to hanging, but the cause of his mental health issues is unclear. The Board has ordered additional development including obtaining medical records and an opinion on whether PTSD or another psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his service-connected PTSD and for obtaining any available VA clinical records. The issue of service connection for a sleep disorder also needs further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from October 6 to October 9, 2009 at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center were for emergency treatment due to a significant injury and could not be safely transferred to a VA facility until his condition stabilized on October 9, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective November 6, 2009. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and psychiatric evaluations. The claim will be reconsidered based on whether new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the character of discharge claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 50 percent or more for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to her military service. The Veteran contends that her acquired psychiatric disabilities are caused by an in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA psychiatric examination to reassess the severity of his PTSD. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for PTSD and finds that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors, including sexual assault by a supervisor and physical abuse by her spouse. The Veteran's symptoms are linked to these events.

The appellant's claim for basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38 of the United States Code was denied because she did not meet the age eligibility criteria for entitlement beyond her 26th birthday.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The case is now remanded for further development regarding the credibility of the Veteran's accounts of his duties in Guam and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee have been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and a new psychiatric examination.