PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board found that a timely substantive appeal was filed for some issues but not others, and thus the decision regarding service connection for PTSD and higher initial ratings for sleep apnea and allergic rhinitis is considered valid.

The Veteran's current depression is found to have first become manifest during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depression, and alcohol use disorder do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from the Princeton Vet Center.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination. The issues of an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are also being addressed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to deficiencies in its analysis, particularly regarding the need for an adequate medical opinion pertaining to whether the Veteran had PTSD at any time during the appeal period and whether his PUD met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD was granted, with a rating of 70 percent effective November 14, 2008.

The claim for service connection for paranoid personality disorder has been reopened and granted.,The claim for PTSD due to military sexual assault has also been reopened and granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and diabetes mellitus are being remanded as the VA examinations have not been conducted to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment, with reduced reliability and productivity. The RO granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent disability evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and an evaluation of his claim for TDIU. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for PTSD and TDIU are intertwined.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has restored the Veteran's competency status for VA benefits purposes, finding that he is competent to handle his own financial affairs without limitation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling. The Board finds that the criteria for an initial rating of 70 percent, and no higher, have been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA records and arranging for a psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, PTSD, depression, and other conditions are pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the Board is dismissing the case as a result.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depression was initially rated at 50 percent prior to January 16, 2014, and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The rating of 70 percent is maintained for the entire period of appeal.

The Board denied service connection for flat feet and PTSD due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between the conditions and service. The Veteran's current disabilities are not considered related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the maximum (100%) since February 3, 2012. He also received a separate 60% rating for his coronary artery disease. As a result of these ratings, he is no longer eligible for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral knee disability do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.