PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records from the Kenai Vet Center Outstation. The issues on appeal are whether he should receive a higher evaluation for PTSD and if he qualifies for TDIU.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for PTSD and impotence, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now pending on their merits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's sleep apnea has been rated at 50 percent since April 21, 2009. The rating is based on the need for a CPAP machine to manage symptoms.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a medical examination for the Veteran's psychiatric disability. The issues of an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with bruxism is productive of deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating. The issue of entitlement to TDIU due to the service-connected PTSD with bruxism has been raised and will be addressed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 24, 2010, for the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's claimed PTSD is related to active service, and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated 50 percent disabling. The RO/AMC must make efforts to obtain private treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of her PTSD disability, including all manifestations. The examiner must also provide an opinion on whether the Veteran is unemployable due solely to her PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at least a 30 percent prior to November 17, 2012 and in excess of 50 percent on and after that date. The TDIU issue is also addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have verified service or visitation within the territorial confines of the Republic of Vietnam, and there is no evidence to support his claim of exposure to chemical herbicide agents. Therefore, service connection for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus cannot be granted based on presumptive exposure. The claim for PTSD will be addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected PTSD on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated VA examination and a review of his employment information. The issues of PTSD rating and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was denied as there is no basis to assign an earlier effective date under the law.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, including autopsy results and police reports. The appellant must provide additional evidence for a determination on her claim.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary for the PTSD claim, and the case is also remanded to obtain any pertinent VA treatment records. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus claims are not currently addressed as they were found to have no new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records, scheduling a PTSD examination, and attempting to obtain private treatment records from Dr. Hairston.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran was also denied TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD disability.

The Board granted service connection for major depression with PTSD and assigned a 50% disability rating effective October 31, 2008. Service connection was also granted for rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis of the feet, hands, ankles, wrists, hips, and shoulders. The effective dates were not specified as they are pending.