PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including verifying a reported stressor and obtaining SSA disability application records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disabilities, with an emphasis on PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board grants his claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding medical records. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD and anxiety disorder were granted service connection, with a rating of 50 percent from April 20, 2006 to May 31, 2010, and increased to 70 percent since June 1, 2010.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with PTSD features is currently rated at 70 percent effective July 20, 2011. The disability causes significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's death appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and clarifying treatment at the Vet Center. The Board will also obtain a VA psychiatrist's opinion on whether his alcohol abuse was caused or aggravated by his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since January 30, 2008. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent rating have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the initial grant of service connection in May 2010. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his impairment from PTSD more nearly approximates occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, Social Security Administration records, and opinions from the May 2012 VA examiners regarding service connection for DM and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective July 20, 2012. Service connection for his GI disorders and Barrett's esophagus secondary to PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has not manifested to total occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and panic disorder without agoraphobia, bicipital tendinitis of the bilateral shoulder, chondromalacia patella of the bilateral knee, sinusitis, hypertension, tension headaches, pes planus, and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, render him unemployable for the period since March 25, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD) and hernia were not incurred or aggravated by service, thus denying these claims.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD and hypertension have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inextricably intertwined issue regarding the effective date of service connection for PTSD, which may affect the DIC rate determination. The appellant's claim will be further considered after establishing the appropriate effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD was denied as he did not provide sufficient information to verify any reported service stressor. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a disability manifested by PTSD due to disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by service.