PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but not higher. The Board finds that a rating of 70 percent, but not higher, is warranted for the period prior to November 10, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional records and for an updated VA examination of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as disturbances in motivation and mood, difficulty establishing effective work relationships, and occasional periods of depression. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating are met throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the current severity of his PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, as well as a nexus opinion regarding tinnitus. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(s) is denied as he does not meet the requirements for SMC based on his total disability rating due to PTSD and additional service-connected disabilities rated at less than 60 percent combined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is likely related to his service in Vietnam, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is attributable to service and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, which is a direct service connection case. The VA examination was inadequate to decide the claim due to the examiner not analyzing the medical history and clinical findings in the context of the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. Further development under the duty to assist is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms resulting in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a rating no higher than 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including stressor verification and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently present psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's current mental health problems are not related to his service, and the Board finds that he does not have PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of whether the Veteran's claimed stressor falls within the purview of fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The appeal will be considered de novo after these actions.

The Board has granted service connection for Depression but denied service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's reported in-service stressor is not related to combat and does not involve fear of hostile military action, thus preventing the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial 50% rating effective September 30, 2004, and a 70% rating effective January 11, 2010.,His mood disorder was initially rated at 30%, effective July 25, 2005, and then increased to 70% effective October 25, 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to June 1, 2004 and a rating in excess of 70 percent from October 30, 2009.

The Board finds that the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is related to his service, and grants service connection for OSA.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hip disability, bilateral heel spurs, or back disability related to service. The claims were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for scars was denied as there is no current diagnosis of such. The earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with mixed depression and anxiety was also denied.,Service connection for scars was not granted due to lack of evidence of a diagnosed condition, while service connection for PTSD was granted based on new evidence received after the initial denial.