PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU has been remanded due to insufficient development of the record, particularly regarding the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination and opinion, requiring a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD disability has been manifested by symptoms such as sleep impairment, nightmares, occasional depressed mood, and hyper-startled responses. This results in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks during periods of stress. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depressive Disorder, is being remanded due to inadequate examination opinions and the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher initial rating. The current evaluation of 50 percent is appropriate for the entire appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran currently meets the criteria for a diagnosis of unspecified trauma-related disorder related to his in-service personal assault. The claim will be adjudicated again after the additional development is completed.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed stressors, while alleged to be related to service, were not verified and thus did not meet the criteria for establishing service connection for PTSD. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's reports of combat stressors are consistent with his service in a combat zone while in Vietnam, and there is medical evidence linking these in-service combat stressors to the diagnosis of PTSD. Therefore, the claim of service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of increased disability evaluation for PTSD and service connection for TBI are still pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the beginning of the appeal period, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to support the claims of PTSD, left knee condition, and heart condition.,The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety disorder related to his service in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War.

The Veteran's PTSD has caused occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, but not reduced reliability and productivity. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied. The issue of service connection for Sleep Apnea is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymic disorder results in occupational and social impairment, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The evidence does not show that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and increased rating for residuals of a right ankle injury are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and analysis.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since November 30, 2010. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD was denied, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.