PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records review. The issues of an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse/dependence was rated at 30 percent prior to December 6, 2012, and at 70 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, as his symptoms do not result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. His hypertension has been adequately managed with medication.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70% disability rating since April 19, 2011. The effective date for service connection is May 23, 2003.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded the case to obtain additional evidence, including a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature of her acquired psychiatric disorder and its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disabilities, and there was no evidence to support higher ratings or service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification regarding whether the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and major depression, is related to service or a pre-existing condition that was aggravated by service-connected disabilities. The claim will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his left shoulder disability. The issues of service connection for PTSD, chronic pain syndrome, and reopening a nerve damage claim are also pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorders, and Personality Disorder. The evidence does not support a finding of current diagnoses or continuity of symptoms related to these conditions during the appeal period.

The Veteran's current bilateral foot, left wrist, and left hand disabilities are not service-connected.,His low back and cervical spine conditions also do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, has been rated as 100 percent disabling since November 22, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, shell fragment wounds, sciatic nerve injury, and abdominal wound, do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied PTSD was received on December 14, 2007. The effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is set at this date.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, has been granted service connection based on a verified in-service stressor. His right knee and low back disabilities are also found to be secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran currently has PTSD related to a verified in-service stressor, and service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a videoconference hearing due to the Veteran's request. The appeal is not fully resolved as it remains on hold until further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to sexual harassment and depression with anxiety, was granted effective December 12, 2008. The effective date is set at the date of receipt of her original claim on March 18, 1997.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 30, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of an increased rating for PTSD under the criteria set forth in Diagnostic Code (DC) 9411.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the AOJ for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The claims of TDIU are also raised.