PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not with deficiencies in most areas or total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to a verified in-service stressor (military sexual trauma). The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to assess whether his condition warrants an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 100 percent disabling since July 15, 1996 due to severe social isolation and inability to work. The issue of an earlier effective date for TDIU is now moot as the only service-connected condition prior to October 2, 2008 was PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be reached on the merits of the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and bipolar disorder. The case is REMANDED for further action.

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

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not meet the criteria for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD was denied, and his claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU due to service-connected PTSD was also denied.

The appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to address his service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current PTSD is linked to his fear of hostile military action during his Vietnam service, and thus meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with depression does not produce total occupational and social impairment, resulting in a disability rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran is granted service connection for stroke residuals and entitlement to SMC at the highest level based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and other conditions.

The Veteran's freestanding claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed as it cannot be entertained.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD with depressive disorder NOS, was found to be manifested by symptoms that equate to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to March 6, 2014. This warrants a rating of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of the Veteran's mental health treatment in 1973 and clarifying whether any current acquired psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for residuals of a back injury due to new evidence. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD. The issue remains about entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current mental health disabilities, including whether they are related to service or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including obtaining medical records and employment information.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a TBI or PTSD incurred in service, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.