PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board denied service connection for left ankle degenerative joint disease and chronic psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and schizophrenia. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, schizophrenia, and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unemployable due to his symptoms, and thus grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since February 27, 2008, and at 50 percent since June 16, 2011. The appeal is denied as the current ratings adequately reflect his disability.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, vertigo, left hip disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied as there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD, prior to May 6, 2011, was manifested by symptoms such as depression, intrusive thoughts, insomnia, hypervigilance, anger outbursts, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, exaggerated startle response, irritability, suicidal ideation, and impaired concentration. The Board granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD prior to May 6, 2011.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive and bipolar disorders. He also seeks service connection for a right knee disorder. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric or right knee disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to evaluate the severity of the Veteran's PTSD and to address the issue of TDIU. The Veteran will be provided with an opportunity to respond after the additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA PTSD examination and additional treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his acquired psychiatric disability. The claim will be recharacterized as an increased evaluation for PTSD and its associated conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are not service-connected as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as his service-connected PTSD does not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by symptoms such as avoidant and isolative behavior, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, sleep disturbances, depressed mood, and anxiety. The evidence does not show the level of impairment that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and dysthymic disorder, sarcoidosis, residuals of hepatitis B, right knee arthritis, and left knee arthritis are currently rated as 70 percent for PTSD and dysthymic disorder, 10 percent for sarcoidosis, no rating assigned for the other conditions. The appeals for increased ratings for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 70 percent effective June 1, 2010. He also meets the schedular requirements for TDIU and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly assess the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incorrect hearing notice being sent to the Veteran's old address, and a new hearing is scheduled at the Huntington RO. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms such as occasional suicidal ideation, impulse control and anger management problems, sleep issues, leading to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but not total impairment. The VA determined that the current 70 percent disability evaluation for PTSD is appropriate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.