PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a medical examination of his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and PTSD have been rated at 70 percent since March 26, 2015, reflecting the most severe level of impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and employment information. The case will be re-adjudicated after the development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 17, 2011. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms have consistently approximated total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence regarding service connection claims, including mental disorders, hypertension, respiratory disorders, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's service records show exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his claims, including those for increased ratings and service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in 1994. He filed a new application to reopen his claim on April 1, 2009, and VA granted service connection for PTSD effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted and rated at 50 percent prior to October 25, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms more nearly approximated a higher 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for an addendum VA opinion regarding his acquired psychiatric disorder, including a mood disorder and previous diagnoses of chronic adjustment reaction and depression. The examiner should also provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating prior to February 11, 2014 and does not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 70 percent beginning February 11, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to lack of recent VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records since March 2012, as well as a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely related to his in-service noise exposure. The claim of reopening a gastrointestinal disability is also granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and paranoid disorder. The evidence received since the last denial raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD symptoms do not more nearly approximate the criteria for total occupational and social impairment, thus his claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, left shoulder disability, and right ankle disability, collectively preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for anxiety disorder, NOS remains pending. The issue of service connection for a disability manifested by chest pain is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability manifested by chest pain during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating, in excess of 30 percent, for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his increased symptomatology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the condition has been diagnosed and linked to a verified in-service stressor.

The Board denied the Veteran's motion to revise or reverse the April 16, 2013 decision denying an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse. The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in their decision.