PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and conducting examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD related to military sexual trauma was granted effective from November 27, 1995.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of her claims, particularly regarding her service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 14, 2013. Prior to that date, he was granted a rating in excess of 30 percent for his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression has been rated at 70 percent since March 15, 2013. The rating is effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been rated at 70 percent since December 13, 2006. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as memory and concentration problems, near-continuous anxiety, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances.

The Veteran's appeal on the issue of service connection for positive tuberculosis (TB) test/carrier was withdrawn prior to a decision being made. The Board is dismissing this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left foot disability, residuals of a deviated septum, and PTSD. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen any of these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and interrelated psychiatric disorders preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and determining whether he is receiving SSA disability benefits. A new VA examination will be scheduled to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and respiratory disorder are all found to be related to service. The Veteran's PTSD and vertigo claims were not discussed at the hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and a depressive disorder. The Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to his PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and non-VA treatment records, as well as SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for an examination to determine if she has PTSD related to her service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with alcoholism warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective from September 2010. The erectile dysfunction is not service-connected.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, consisting of PTSD and Anxiety Disorder NOS, is currently rated at 50 percent since July 31, 2006. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depression, chronic sleep disturbance, nightmares, anxiety, long term memory deficits, irritability and anger, avoidance behaviors, exaggerated startle response, some social isolation, difficulty concentrating, feelings of detachment, hypervigilance, and decreased interest in activities.

The Veteran's PTSD and dementia have been found to be productive of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent evaluation.

The VA examiner found no objective deterioration in the appellant's PTSD symptoms since the last examination, maintaining unchanged signs and symptoms such as social isolation but with a few friends who he could venture out with. The rating of 50 percent for PTSD prior to October 30, 2009 was granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as a comprehensive psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.