PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for the service-connected PTSD, effective from December 17, 2008. As this renders moot the appeal for an increased evaluation and TDIU, these issues are no longer before the Board.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination, as well as clarification on why less probative value was given to the Veteran's most recent VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a spine disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), or obstructive sleep apnea that is related to his active service.,VA examinations and medical opinions indicate no link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's heart disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression) are both found to be secondary to his service-connected asthma.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records, including those from private providers and VA facilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and alcohol abuse, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no evidence in the claims file prior to October 21, 1980 which can be interpreted as a claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish an in-service stressor. The left ankle disability rating remains pending as a new examination is needed due to the passage of time since the last VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or TBI, and the Veteran's assertions were not supported by objective medical evidence. The preponderance of the evidence is against the claims for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted service connection for mood disorder. Service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of confirmed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent prior to July 18, 2011 and at 50 percent thereafter. He is also granted a TDIU effective December 17, 2014.,PTSD symptoms include depression, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss, restricted affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty in establishing and maintaining work and social relationships, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, anger and irritability, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, isolation, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle response.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of her claims, including TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, are found to be related to his combat service in Vietnam. Service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as his attempts to reopen previously denied claims. The evidence submitted since the last denial is not considered new and material.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 15, 2009. The evidence shows significant impairment in social and occupational functioning but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable for the period from August 7, 2008 through April 21, 2009.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 22, 2012 and for an effective date earlier than September 22, 2010 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with cognitive disorder. The January 2011 decision is valid as there was no CUE.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of PTSD, and the Board has dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, primarily PTSD and depression, has been found to warrant a 50 percent initial evaluation. The issue of entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also granted.

The Board has found the VA examination insufficient to adjudicate the claim on appeal and has ordered further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a new VA psychiatric examination.