PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for PTSD is remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to August 2, 2011 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied as the rating assigned does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 50 percent from June 25, 2006 to January 17, 2008. From January 18, 2008 to February 9, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD warranted a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to June 9, 2010. For the period commencing June 9, 2010, he is entitled to a 100 percent disability evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA psychological or psychiatric examination to evaluate the nature and severity of his service-connected PTSD and the relationship between his PTSD and alcohol dependence. The issue of service connection for alcohol dependence as secondary to service-connected PTSD will also be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50 percent since September 29, 2006. The Board has found that the current level of impairment does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD, major depressive disorder, and alcohol dependence have resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 21, 2007. The Board finds that the disability picture more closely approximates a 70 percent rating under DC 9411 for most of the initial rating period and grants an increased rating to 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his cause of death from heart disease, and thus grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his fear of hostile military activity while serving in Vietnam. Service connection is also granted for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include Major Depressive Disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a back injury, and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include PTSD remains pending as it involves current diagnoses but requires further development due to conflicting evidence regarding in-service stressors. Service connection for bilateral knee pain and scars is also pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of regulatory changes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, fibromyalgia, sexual dysfunction, or bilateral foot disability for which service connection can be granted. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified is due to disease or injury incurred in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to corroborate the Veteran's reported stressor and determine if service connection for PTSD can be established.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression has been reopened, but the Board finds that there is no evidence of an in-service stressor or injury incurred in line of duty. Therefore, service connection cannot be established.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and consideration of his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and considering an extraschedular TDIU rating. The claims will be readjudicated after the development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a hearing. The issues of PTSD and lumbar spine disability ratings are also being addressed.