PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD, Depressive Disorder NOS, and Psychoneurosis in remission was denied as the evidence did not meet the severity criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to missing VA medical records. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining the missing records and scheduling a new examination if necessary.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to February 18, 2014.,From February 18, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD has been productive of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD, as his current diagnosis is supported by medical evidence and consistent with the in-service stressor of fear of hostile military activity.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a depressive disorder, NOS, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service stressors and service-connected diabetes.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied as there was no prior claim or indication that he intended to apply for PTSD before August 27, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous examination and for obtaining outstanding VA or non-VA medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 27, 2005, for the assignment of a 100 percent rating for PTSD was denied. The Board found that there were no claims or evidence submitted within one year prior to January 27, 2005, which would warrant an earlier effective date. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is also currently pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, left shoulder disability, and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying in-service stressors for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and agoraphobia is currently rated at 30 percent, effective July 26, 2010. The Board has determined that the disability more closely approximates a 50 percent evaluation based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination for PTSD and to determine the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, thus denying the reopening of this claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a depressive disorder not otherwise specified, and tinnitus. The Veteran's experiences during his tours in Iraq are found to be consistent with 'fear of hostile military or terrorist activity' as defined by VA regulations, thus meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder, is granted service connection. The issue of entitlement to service connection for coronary artery disease has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD, currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional VA examination and development of records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD, aortic insufficiency, increased ratings for left elbow and right wrist disabilities are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and PTSD, is related to his fear of hostile military activity during service. The claim for prostate cancer is remanded for additional development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and residuals of burn scars to the head, face, and neck are not related to active service or any incident of service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and medical inquiry regarding his claims of service connection for hypertension, increased rating for PTSD, and TDIU.