PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's cervical spine strain is currently rated at 10 percent, and her service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from a qualified examiner. The Veteran's claim of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression and PTSD, remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his representative, thus dismissing all outstanding claims and/or appeals.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether any acquired psychiatric disorder clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service, if so, whether it was not aggravated by service, and if not, whether it is at least as likely as not related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 29, 2006. The Board also found that the Veteran meets criteria for a TDIU from this date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 21, 2013. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records, as well as issuance of a statement of the case for certain issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, and the effective date is set at August 4, 2010. The issue of an earlier effective date remains pending.

The evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran's PTSD and depression were incurred during his active military service, specifically related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grants were denied as he does not meet the legal criteria for these benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. The case is being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities and their functional limitations. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased evaluation of his posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis warrants a separate initial evaluation of 10 percent for each foot. For PTSD, the Veteran received an initial 10 percent evaluation prior to July 30, 2013, and a 30 percent evaluation thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is productive of social and occupational impairment beyond that contemplated by the current 50 percent rating, warranting a higher initial rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: (1) seeking an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 70 percent rating for his psychiatric disability, and (2) seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of TDIU. The case is being remanded to allow for further development regarding the Veteran's self-employment status during the relevant period.