PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying the circumstances of deaths aboard the USS Forrestal. A psychiatric examination is also required to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to service or caused by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's child is seeking Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38 of the U.S. Code due to her father's disability or death. However, the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are still pending and may affect his status as a permanently disabled veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed PTSD is related to an in-service sexual trauma, and therefore service connection for PTSD due to MST is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to November 8, 2013. The symptoms were significant but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for a videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new evidence associated with the claims file, including VA PTSD examinations conducted in November 2014 and May 2015. The issue of entitlement to an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD is now pending.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claim due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination, and it is requested that both the Veteran and his representative be notified of the scheduled examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective from June 20, 2012. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable prior to this date.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was granted, with the earliest possible effective date being September 30, 2004.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and bilateral foot disorder (Plantar Fasciitis, Pes Planus) have been granted. The effective date is not specified as the claim was initially filed in October 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to April 4, 2014. Since then, his PTSD has resulted in deficiencies in most areas but not total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating was reduced from 70% to 30%, effective April 1, 2009. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his current diagnosis of PTSD resulted from the claimed stressor events during his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The issues of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and increased ratings for bilateral pes planus remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and PTSD have been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD related to his fear of hostile military activity during his service in the Persian Gulf War. Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are at least as likely as not related to her military service, including verified in-service sexual assaults. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.