PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and post-concussive headaches are sufficient to prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records, schedule a VA examination for his acquired psychiatric disorder, and address the issue of TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a higher effective date for TDIU. The Veteran is currently rated 70% for PTSD, but his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100% rating due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to incomplete development and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted. However, the claim for a lung disability was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted effective May 19, 2006. The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities was also granted effective May 19, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with depression, was incurred in or is otherwise related to her active service and has granted this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including radiculopathy of the lower extremities, right carpal tunnel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and a cervical spine disorder. The decision also addressed his claim for PTSD based on fear of hostile military activity due to his Gulf War service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, but denied her claim of service connection for PTSD due to lack of corroborating evidence. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD remains pending.

The Board has ordered a remand for an addendum opinion from the May 2010 VA examiner regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and/or depression. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the entire period on appeal, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is at least as likely as not related to his service or a pre-existing condition. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and increased ratings for his psychiatric disorder and coronary heart disease, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression is being remanded due to the need to obtain updated VA treatment records and SSA disability records. A new VA examination will also be conducted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with anxiety reaction and other conditions, contributed to his death. The appeal for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 14, 2004. The Board found that the disability warranted such a rating and granted a TDIU effective from January 14, 2004.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for migraine headaches, a back disorder, and PTSD. The RO previously denied these claims in March 2004 due to lack of established diagnoses during qualifying periods of service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 21, 2014. Prior to that date, his symptoms were primarily characterized by anxiety and social isolation, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.