PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination for his hearing loss and PTSD claims, as well as to verify the claimed stressors. The RO will also determine if there are any established service-connected conditions that may affect his current disability ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD and associated depressive disorder, along with panic disorder without agoraphobia, have been granted a 50 percent rating for the period from January 25, 2011 to July 18, 2012. Service connection has also been established for coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a more contemporaneous VA examination of his PTSD and for additional development to determine if he is unemployable due to service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since June 19, 2012. The symptoms have included flattened affect, anxiety, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective October 4, 2007. The evidence does not show that the disability more nearly approximates total occupational and social impairment prior to July 30, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder and Alcohol Dependence has been rated at 50% since November 9, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD or a depressive disorder, requires additional development due to incomplete stressor verification and need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD or depressive disorder, as his symptoms were not linked to an in-service stressor and he had a history of substance abuse which affected his mental health.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since October 2007, and the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on the severity of his disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for psychiatric disability, including PTSD; left shoulder disability; hepatitis C; and diabetes mellitus. The Board found no probative value in the Veteran's allegations of an in-service injury that resulted in chronic disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 10 percent since the grant of service connection in March 2011. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are minimal and transient, with no significant occupational or social impairment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Depressive Disorder. However, due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed stressor events, the claim remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of stressors and a VA mental health examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 70 percent from December 18, 2008 through August 16, 2010. The appeal is resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which reflects total occupational and social impairment. The Board finds that the current evaluation adequately captures his disability picture.

The Veteran's PTSD claim has been granted, with the stressor event related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service. The VA psychologist confirmed that the claimed stressors are adequate and support a diagnosis of PTSD.,The Veteran's tinnitus claim has also been granted, as it is related to exposure to acoustic trauma in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining reserve service records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining in-service mental health treatment records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted, but his claims for low back disability and bilateral knee disability are denied.