PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that a further mental disorders examination is necessary and the case is therefore REMANDED for the following actions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the date of service connection, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a traumatic brain injury, fatigue, respiratory condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, depressive disorder, mood disorder), coronary artery disease, left knee disability, and left shoulder disability have been denied. The decision does not address the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for fatigue.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, NOS is granted as service connected due to in-service exposure to decomposing bodies and witnessing a suicide.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and the ability to perform occupational tasks. The criteria for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated at the maximum available rating of 30 percent for each condition, with no additional compensable ratings assigned.

The Veteran is unable to maintain substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board grants TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 7, 2014, reflecting total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome, Brucellosis, or a psychiatric disability to include PTSD. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection of heart disability, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and low back disorder. The Veteran does not have current diagnoses or disabilities related to his bilateral hands, knees, hips, chloracne, peripheral neuropathy, or tinnitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete VA records and the need for additional development of his claims, including a psychiatric disorder claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective the date his claim was received. His bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus claims remain pending.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of VA examinations.

The Veteran was found unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected PTSD and diabetes prior to January 17, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination. The examiner must reconcile previous diagnoses of PTSD and schizoaffective disorder, provide a rationale for any negative nexus opinions, and address all verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the evaluation of PTSD under different rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran not reporting for a scheduled videoconference hearing and issues with communication regarding his current address. The claims will be reconsidered after these matters are resolved.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD (rated at 70%) precludes her from securing or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation consistent with her education and experience.