PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD prior to October 22, 2009 was denied. The TDIU claim is also denied as the maximum benefit (100% rating) has been awarded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for clarification on whether he wishes to pursue a service connection claim for substance abuse as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with depression. If the Veteran wishes, an appropriate VA examination will be scheduled to determine if he has had a current diagnosis of substance abuse or a history of substance abuse at any time since January 2003 and whether it is at least as likely as not that such condition was caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are so severe that they preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since August 15, 2003.

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on in-service stressors. The neck disability is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a chronic condition related to the in-service injury.

The Veteran was employed as a counselor until September 15, 2011. Prior to this date, the evidence does not support his claim of being unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and financial information. An addendum opinion from a VA examiner will be needed regarding her functional limitations due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD and headaches have been evaluated, but the claims for increased ratings and TDIU remain denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, SSA records, and a retrospective medical opinion regarding the impact of his PTSD on his employability.

The Board found no credible evidence of in-service stressors or a diagnosis of PTSD, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

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.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, and his right eye injury with scar is not etiologically related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for his service-connected PTSD and related symptoms, including anxiety and depression.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his PTSD, tinnitus and headaches, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to her failure to appear at a previously scheduled hearing. The case will be rescheduled for another Board hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have originated during her active service, and she is granted service connection for this condition. The gastrointestinal disability is not addressed as the claim is pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent. The symptoms have included chronic sense of detachment from others, chronic irritability, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, intrusive memories, hypervigilance, avoidance of crowds, and limited friendships.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anaplastic large cell lymphoma, claimed as T-cell lymphoma cancer, is not related to his military service. The PTSD claim was granted with a 30% rating effective from February 18, 2011. However, the appeal for higher ratings remains denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a skin disability, and a respiratory disability due to Agent Orange exposure. The decision is based on insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been reopened and service connection is granted.,Service connection for hypertension, secondary to coronary artery disease, remains pending.