PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is being remanded due to the need for proper notice and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder and depression has resulted in total occupational and social impairment since June 4, 2011. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms no greater than productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks (although generally functioning satisfactorily, with routine behavior, self-care, and conversation normal), but not showing occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially to his death from coronary artery disease, and grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death. The claim for dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and Anxiety Disorder are related to his military service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The issue is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) via the Appeals Management Center (AMC), in Washington, DC.

The Board has reviewed the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, but due to mixed results on some issues, a clear disposition could not be determined.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and is now considering whether new evidence supports a finding that he experienced an in-service stressor related to a helicopter crash. The Veteran's depression may also be considered, as it could be related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since November 30, 2010.,Service connection for a low back disorder was granted with an initial rating of 10 percent effective December 16, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his VA treatment records and consideration of whether TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his current PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder. The claim for entitlement to TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent and has been increased to 70 percent effective April 6, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to her in-service stressor of dressing a deceased baby. The issue of an increased rating for noncongestive glaucoma is remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by an explosive temper with violence and a lack of friends or social involvement, warranting a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants TDIU.