PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of symptoms resulting in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and found that new evidence received since the last denial supports this reopening. However, the Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD) and knee disability due to lack of a medical nexus between these conditions and her military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by at least occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, due to such symptoms as suicidal ideations. The Board finds that the Veteran's disability picture more nearly approximated the criteria for a 70 percent rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical records and provide the Veteran with a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating higher than the current 30 percent. The Veteran is also found to be unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for new VA examinations and retrieval of relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there were no new or material evidence presented to reopen his previously denied claim, and the original award was based on direct service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), based on the Veteran's reported experiences in Korea during active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 26, 2012. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the adjudication of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and alcoholism has been rated at the highest possible level (100%) for the entire period on appeal, resulting in a grant of his claim. His entitlement to Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is moot due to the 100% rating for PTSD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and has reopened his previously denied claim for service connection for sarcoidosis. The decision on the merits of the sarcoidosis claim is pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for a back disorder, PTSD reopening claim, and psychosis for treatment eligibility. The Board has dismissed these claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and to determine if his current PTSD and vertigo are related to service. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, had its onset during service and is related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 70 percent disability rating, which meets the criteria for an initial schedular rating of 70 percent. The issues of entitlement to an extraschedular rating and TDIU are also addressed.