PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, but the Veteran's PTSD claim is denied as there is no credible supporting evidence of a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work, and for consideration of extraschedular TDIU criteria.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and bilateral hearing loss have been granted. The decision also addressed the bifurcated issues of service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since October 5, 2012. The symptoms have included occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, mild memory loss, difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships, irritability, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, avoidance of crowds, difficulty concentrating, panic attacks once a month, and hypervigilance.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining mental health treatment records from the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted for the period from October 2, 2008 to December 9, 2009. The Board found that his PTSD warranted a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his current level of PTSD severity. The issue remains whether he should receive an increased rating beyond the currently assigned 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder warrants a rating of 70 percent for the period prior to October 20, 2011 and a rating of 50 percent beginning from October 20, 2011.

The Board has determined that the evidence received since the April 2000 rating decision is not new and material, and thus does not warrant reopening the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder resulted in total occupational and social impairment on and after January 25, 2008. Prior to that date, the disability was manifested by reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is found to be incurred in service. The Board finds that the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder as a result of suffering injuries related to an incident where he was blown across the flight deck from a jet engine blast.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and missing VA treatment records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, claimed as a nervous condition, is now before the Board again.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for scheduling a video hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. The issues of service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder, broken ribs, and back disability are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's statements regarding his exposure to hostile military activity during service are credible, and he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. As such, service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board found no credible evidence of an in-service event related to the Veteran's PTSD, and denied service connection for both PTSD and hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to confusion regarding representation and notification of the Statement of the Case. The Veteran's attorney needs more time to respond or provide additional evidence, and any relevant VA treatment records should be associated with the claims file.