PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records. The issues of initial PTSD rating and TDIU are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 24, 2004, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for schizoaffective disorder, depressive type and PTSD. The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for residuals of a left thumb fracture, left hand and ring finger pain, heart murmur, psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), bilateral knee disorder, bronchitis, and low back disorder has been denied as there is no current disability. The VA examiner found no evidence of abnormality of the left thumb.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 14, 2008. The claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound is granted effective January 8, 2014.,PTSD symptoms have caused significant impairment in work, social, and family life.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a scar of the right lower leg is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran incurred a scar during active duty and it is related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD and for further development regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board is requesting additional information from SSA regarding the Veteran's receipt of disability benefits, as this may affect the reopening and service connection claims.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, previously characterized as an anxiety disorder and later as PTSD, is currently rated at 100 percent from September 23, 2010.,Prior to September 23, 2010, the Veteran was granted a 50 percent rating for his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Horizon on July 14, 2009 are granted as the treatment was deemed necessary due to his service-connected PTSD and the emergent nature of the gunshot wound. The transport from Horizon to VUMC is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need to clarify his current service-connected disabilities, obtain updated VA treatment records, and schedule him for a Social and Industrial Survey.

The Board has decided the appeal is not ready for final decision and has ordered a remand to provide the Veteran with a hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse was granted an initial rating of 30 percent from September 27, 2008 to June 22, 2011 and a subsequent increased rating of 50 percent effective June 23, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has found that this rating adequately reflects his current level of disability.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with an effective date of December 29, 2010. The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss and cataracts is denied as there was no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria at any time during the appeal period.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD combined with depression and assigned a 50 percent rating, effective August 22, 2011. The Veteran's initial ratings for depression were denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for PTSD has been dismissed as he requested the termination of his appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable due to his PTSD symptoms, as they are considered part of the 50% rating for that disability. The Board finds that he is capable of performing the physical and mental acts required by employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorder and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in work, family relations, and mood. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating have been met.