PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be granted as there is no evidence of a verified stressor and the Veteran did not engage in combat. As such, the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a mood disorder, finding that it had its onset during active service and resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities since November 1, 2008.

The Board denied service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and rectal cancer, finding no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam is presumed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective January 16, 2014. The examiner found the Veteran had occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 23, 2011 for the grant of service connection for psuedofolliculitis barbae was granted. The claim to reopen his PTSD and depression claims was also granted. However, he is still denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to October 10, 2013. Since then, his condition has resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the appeal is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for adjudication on the merits. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also deferred.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain outstanding VA medical records and for a VA examination regarding his claimed pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that his disability picture more nearly approximates a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the VA examiner's opinion was that the Veteran did not meet the full DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms were instead attributed to an undifferentiated somatoform disorder.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with left shoulder bicep tendonitis, which is considered a direct service connection as it is related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, major depression, and mood disorder has been granted with a full grant of benefits effective from November 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims regarding his left ear hearing loss disability and a left ear disability, claimed as left ear drum damage, are remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide the Veteran with an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and PTSD, is found to be related to his service, specifically military sexual trauma. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to corroborate alleged stressors and determine if a psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective November 19, 2012. He also meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private medical facility in July 2011 are granted as the criteria for reimbursement under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728 have been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude substantially gainful employment prior to December 26, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and a social and industrial survey. The case will be returned to the Board after these are completed.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD or anxiety disorder NOS, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.