PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of all evidence since January 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent evaluation, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board also granted TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied service connection for bilateral foot pes cavus, bilateral foot calcaneal spur, left foot plantar fasciitis, and PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% from September 1, 2012.

The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD, currently rated at 50 percent. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for another VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. Resolving all reasonable doubt in your favor, the Board concludes that your PTSD is due to a personal assault during ACDUTRA.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current psychiatric disorder in service and the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorders are not related to her military service.

The Board found that the appellant was not a fugitive felon for the period from July [redacted], 2010 to August [redacted], 2010, and therefore concluded that the overpayment in compensation benefits of $2405.70 was not properly created.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for fibromyalgia was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 22, 2010, for the grant of service connection for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating. The issue of entitlement to higher ratings for PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his employability considering all of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, are not related to service. The in-service stressor event is deemed unsubstantiated, and there is no evidence of a personal assault during service.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse was rated at 50 percent from September 3, 2010 through September 4, 2012 and upgraded to 70 percent effective September 5, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, finding that his psychiatric conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's earlier effective date claim for a TDIU, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to March 23, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are currently mild and do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board has determined that a 10 percent rating is appropriate.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to April 23, 2009 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to March 19, 2013. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with depression and anxiety, is granted as service connection is established due to a verified in-service stressor.