PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, and the Board finds that his current diagnosis of PTSD is etiologically related to an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claim for increased evaluation for facet osteoarthritis with right L5 pars interarticularis defect of the lumbar spine is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have included depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and mild memory loss. These symptoms resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks during the period from November 4, 2011 to April 28, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disability, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have residuals of a left arm fracture or an acquired psychiatric disorder due to any incident of his active duty service. The preponderance of evidence reflects that he does not have these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia secondary to PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Alcohol Dependence, is currently rated at 30 percent. The appeal for a TDIU was denied as the service connection theory is unknown.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding the issue of a higher initial rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The symptoms include chronic sleep impairment, intrusive memories and nightmares, panic attacks, depressed mood, hypervigilance, disturbances in motivation and mood, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty adapting to stressful situations, impaired impulse control, and difficulty establishing and maintaining work and social relationships.

The Board found that the appellant's character of discharge was due to a general court martial conviction for offenses committed in 1975, and as such, his service is considered under conditions other than honorable. The appellant argued he was insane at the time of these offenses, but the VA determined this argument did not meet the criteria for insanity as defined by VA regulations.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, due to lack of a diagnosis in accordance with DSM-IV.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, skin rash, gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, tingling feet, cardiovascular disorders, and back disorder. The appeal is considered on its merits.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to establish the credibility of the alleged stressor event and to determine if any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder is caused or aggravated by his service-connected tinnitus or hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 13, 2013. The disability rating is granted for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected, effective March 16, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to failure to notify the appellant of a previously scheduled videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and update employment history. The TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to March 15, 2012. The evidence showed mild symptoms such as hypervigilance and irritability but no significant impairment in work or social functioning.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's PTSD warrants a higher initial rating, and has ordered this development.

The Veteran's dependent son, D.M., was recognized for the first time on August 20, 1999. The effective date of additional pension and compensation for D.M. is September 1, 1999.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and PTSD. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination, medical opinions, and consideration of all relevant evidence.