PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

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

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further examination and clarification of the Veteran's psychiatric disability claims, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and GAD resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 70% or 100%. The disability was characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, sleep impairment, short-term memory impairment, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty establishing work and social relationships.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and dysthymic disorder, is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his PTSD on his employability and another rating decision based on the new evidence received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, partial left median neuropathy, and skin disorders, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD has been granted, with the effective date set at May 29, 1997. The case is now remanded to determine the appropriate initial disability rating and whether a TDIU should be assigned.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death.

The Board has vacated the portion of its June 2014 decision that denied service connection for a psychiatric disability, based on a theory of aggravation pursuant to the presumption of soundness. The case is remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or aggravated his alcohol abuse disorder, which led to his fatal methanol ingestion.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from April 12, 2011. The Board found that the condition does not warrant a higher rating as it meets the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for PTSD and lumbar spondylolisthesis have been withdrawn. The bladder cancer claim is remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD at any time during, or prior to, the pendency of her claim. The VA examiner found that she did not have PTSD as per DSM-IV or DSM-V criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render him unemployable, as he is capable of maintaining gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified (NOS), claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The appeal is now remanded to the AOJ for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability and acquired psychiatric disorder are related to his service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent prior to March 13, 2015 and since then at a rating in excess of 70 percent.,Since March 13, 2015, the Veteran is no longer eligible for TDIU due to his ability to work with some limitations.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation from January 7, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, mood disorder, cluster B personality, and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.