PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and any other diagnosed psychiatric disorder. The case will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for bilateral hearing loss or an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The evidence does not show a current disability at issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder is caused or aggravated by his service, specifically stressors reported while stationed in either Iraq or Saudi Arabia.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated depression is currently rated at 50 percent, effective November 18, 2013.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and to obtain a comprehensive psychiatric examination. The claim will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of ischemic heart disease was granted. However, his claims for higher ratings and a TDIU were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination and to attempt to obtain SSA records. The initial disability rating for PTSD remains in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision. The Board finds that the criteria for a TDIU, as of March 24, 2011, have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals affecting routine activities, near-continuous panic or depression affecting function, and an inability to establish effective relationships. The Board found the Veteran's symptoms most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher 100 percent rating is warranted due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating under DC 9411. This reflects significant occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since August 20, 2010. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating as there was no occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that another VA examination and opinion are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, sleep apnea, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction. The appeal is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and the provision of relevant treatment records. The issues include increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, as well as a claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to June 1, 2006. The Board granted a higher rating of 70 percent for the period prior to June 1, 2006 and denied TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diverticulitis, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service. The claim for earlier effective date for addition of a dependent for pension benefits is currently pending.