PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is granted as his symptoms are found to be related to combat exposure during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary adjustment disorder has been productive of occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating since January 23, 2013. However, the claim for an increased rating prior to that date is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, as he contends that his condition has worsened since his last VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and attempting to corroborate the Veteran's in-service stressor. A VA psychiatric examination is also required.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. A new VA examination will be scheduled to assess the current severity of his PTSD and determine if he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

For the entire appeal period, the Veteran's service-connected PTSD has more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to impairment of affect, memory, judgment and abstract thinking with difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective social relationships, without more severe manifestations that more nearly approximate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, or total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on both issues, and the Board has dismissed them without prejudice.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% initial evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD was granted, with an effective date of December 11, 2012. The Veteran is currently rated at 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from November 10, 2011 to June 18, 2012 and increased to 70 percent effective June 18, 2012.,Total occupational and social impairment has not been shown during the relevant period.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at a noncompensable level prior to September 8, 2008, and increased to a 10 percent rating thereafter.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been found to be related to her military service. The Board granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 80 percent, with a single disability rated 60 percent. He is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to incomplete research and missing medical records. The case will be reviewed again with a focus on obtaining relevant VA treatment records and conducting a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and anxiety disorder with depressed mood was denied as the evidence does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 23, 2005. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, residuals of a heart attack, fatty growths, and residuals of a gas experiment. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service or any other relevant exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 24, 2012, reflecting the severity of his symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The Veteran is now entitled to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective from December 10, 2008. The Board has granted a higher rating for PTSD and denied service connection for hypertension and skin rash.