PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent from September 1, 2011. The Board has granted a higher evaluation for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 16, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete documentation and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and the feasibility of transferring him to a VA facility.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, based on new and material evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in total occupational impairment, and the Board has resolved all reasonable doubt in his favor to grant a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused significant occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that it has resulted in total occupational and social impairment.,Effective May 14, 2014, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of September 20, 2007 for a rating of 70 percent for PTSD and a TDIU.

The Veteran's TBI residuals were rated at a 40 percent rating from March 23, 2010 to December 2, 2013.,From December 3, 2013 onwards, the Veteran is entitled to a 40 percent rating for his TBI residuals.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has not been shown to meet the criteria for a higher rating, as his symptoms do not warrant total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, that is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder is denied. The issue of service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric condition, including PTSD, adjustment disorder, and depression, is at least as likely as not related to events during his service. As such, service connection for a psychiatric disability is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has PTSD related to service. The AOJ should also consider all evidence associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by anger, irritability, and sleep impairment, causing occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depressive disorder, is at least as likely as not causally or etiologically related to his service-connected PTSD. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the TDIU claim. The issues are an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, skin conditions (idiopathic acquired leukoderma and seborrheic keratosis), and diabetes mellitus are pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone does not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.