PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD, combined with her service-connected seizures and traumatic brain injury, rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to February 1, 2009. TDIU is granted from that date.

The Veteran's TBI with associated psychoneurosis is manifested by mental impairment, which causes social and total occupational impairment warranting a 100 percent rating under the relevant rating criteria throughout the appellate period. This grant provides entitlement to statutory housebound status.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD and depression is granted, and he is assigned a 30% initial rating for his headaches.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The evidence now shows a current diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors, while anxiety disorder is linked to personal history of symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, and thus, a rating in excess of 40 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been evaluated as resulting in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for hypertension with heart disease and PTSD. The Veteran's service records indicate in-country service in Vietnam, which is a presumptive exposure basis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining clarification on whether he has a diagnosis of PTSD and assessing his psychiatric conditions in relation to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is due to military sexual trauma during her active service, and thus grants service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 27, 2012 for service connection of scars and facial neuropathy are granted. The initial disability ratings assigned remain unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated treatment records and for a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. Additionally, he needs an evaluation of the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% effective August 7, 2008. The TDIU and DEA benefits were also granted on this date.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to May 14, 2013 were not severe enough for a higher rating. Since May 14, 2013, his symptoms have been sufficient for a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection with a 50% disability rating, effective from December 12, 1996 to August 25, 1998. Special monthly compensation for aid and attendance was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been remanded. The issue of service connection for schizophrenia, paranoid type and the reopening of a claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD have also been remanded.,A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's PTSD and determine its etiology as well as any other psychiatric disorders (other than PTSD). The examiner should provide opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service, secondary to a service-connected disability, or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding an earlier effective date for PTSD. The claim of entitlement to higher initial evaluations for IHD and a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been manifested by reduced reliability and productivity, with symptoms such as feelings of anger, hypervigilance, and difficulty sleeping. The current rating of 50 percent is appropriate for this level of impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service, including his fear of working around nuclear and atomic warheads during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including requesting personnel records and providing the Veteran with an opportunity to provide additional evidence. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination.