PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and finds that new evidence received since the last final denial is sufficient to establish a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors. The Veteran's testimony, VA outpatient treatment records, and medical opinions support this finding.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, was incurred in active duty military service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim of reopening the PTSD claim was denied as no new and material evidence had been received.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 24, 2010. The claim for a higher initial evaluation prior to that date remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to April 30, 2009 and has been rated as 50 percent since July 1, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's PTSD and other psychiatric disorders are related to his military service, including a potential sexual assault.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records from the Omaha VA Medical Center and other pertinent records.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is related to in-service stressors and the Board has granted service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD with Depression was rated at 30% prior to May 12, 2010 and increased to 50% thereafter. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and vertigo are found to be related to his service, specifically an explosion in service. The Board finds that the Veteran has met the criteria for service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to August 26, 2013 and at 50 percent beginning on that date. The Board found the symptoms most nearly approximated a 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and leukemia were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD related to service, nor could it be presumed due to Agent Orange exposure. Service connection was also denied for leukemia as there is no evidence linking the condition to service or any presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD was granted, effective March 20, 2008. The appeal regarding service connection for bilateral flat feet and carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim.

For the increased rating period prior to May 22, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.,For the increased rating period beginning May 22, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral knee disabilities and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and anxiety) are not related to his active service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective June 29, 2007. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 50 percent for PTSD due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for her service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for right ear hearing loss was denied. The Veteran's PTSD has been granted with a 50% disability rating, effective from November 2, 2007.,The Veteran's GERD and residuals of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx have not been granted initial compensable ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and entitlement to TDIU remain unresolved.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective August 21, 2006. The Board has determined that a higher initial rating of 70 percent is warranted and an earlier effective date of August 21, 2006, is granted.