PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, nightmares, panic attacks, circumstantial speech, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including personal assault PTSD claims and VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression has been granted and rated at 50%. The temporary total rating for hospitalization due to PTSD was denied, but the Veteran is now receiving a TDIU based on her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety is currently rated at 50 percent. The effective date for this rating has been set as November 30, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, GAD, cognitive disorder, and panic disorder, was denied as his symptoms were not linked to any specific in-service stressors or events. The issue of entitlement to service connection for psychosis for the purpose of establishing eligibility for medical treatment has been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70% rating, effective from September 26, 2009. His TBI has also been granted a 10% rating, effective from September 26, 2009.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD and related conditions, including dysthymia and major depressive disorder. His service records confirm his deployment in combat areas of Vietnam where he experienced enemy fire and witnessed dead bodies. As such, his reports alone are sufficient to establish participation in combat, allowing for presumptive service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in this case, including obtaining medical records and conducting VA examinations to address the appellant's claims for service connection for various disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the lumbar spine disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating prior to July 31, 2014, but did meet criteria for a 20 percent rating beginning July 31, 2014. Ratings in excess of those assigned were not warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder is rated at 70 percent, and his combined rating for all service-connected conditions does not meet the criteria for a TDIU. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and cold weather injuries residuals, preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to secure outstanding service treatment records and VA medical records. The case will be readjudicated after these records are obtained.

The Board has determined that a VA psychiatric examination is necessary to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder and whether any acquired psychiatric disability, including major depression, is related to his military service. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for this purpose.

An effective date of March 8, 2010, is granted for the grant of service connection for PTSD with depression.,For the period prior to February 14, 2011, a 100 percent disability rating is assigned for PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Orange Park Medical Center from July 26 - August 1, 2012 were approved as the services rendered were for a disability of a veteran who has a total disability permanent in nature resulting from a service-connected disability (PTSD).

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, that is etiologically related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of a credible in-service stressor for PTSD.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service at U-Tapao Royal Thai Air Force Base, and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with a 10 percent rating assigned for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened and granted. Other issues related to PTSD, foot disorders, neuropathy, headaches, low back disability, hip disabilities, and undiagnosed illnesses were also addressed.