PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum opinion from the February 2014 examiner. The AOJ will also consider entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnoses of PTSD and major depressive disorder are linked to his service, including his experiences in a combat zone. The appeal is granted.

During the period from December 26, 2010 to July 9, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse was not productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.,From July 10, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is not productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was related to service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling prior to June 9, 2014 and 70 percent disabling since that date. The Board denied an evaluation in excess of these ratings. Additionally, the claim for TDIU prior to May 18, 2007 was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a disability rating of 100 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder was productive of no more than occupational and social impairment during the period from May 1, 2005 to May 2, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 30 percent since prior to April 24, 2014. The rating has now increased to 70 percent effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current degree of impairment associated with his PTSD. The case will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant, and as such, these claims are granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 10 percent disabling prior to September 26, 2012, and as 70 percent disabling thereafter.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 100 percent, effective October 13, 2006. The earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as strained relationships, disturbances of mood and motivation, depressed mood, anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, chronic sleep impairment, impairment of short and long term memory, difficulty concentrating, suicidal ideation, periods of violence, and increased cognitive decline. The Board has determined that the criteria for a disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD have been met or approximated.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder remains pending as new evidence suggests it may be related to service, but further examination is needed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records and the need for a new VA examination to assess his PTSD disability, as well as an opinion on whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU and his service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The effective date of the grant of service connection for CAD is being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing before a member of the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is remanded due to incomplete development and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence is rated at 70 percent disabling as of April 6, 2009. The effective dates for service connection and TDIU are also set to this date.