PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been reopened and is now considered on the merits. The evidence submitted, including a buddy statement and a letter from his VA psychologist, supports the conclusion that he experienced sexual assault during service which likely contributed to his current PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural issues, including a missed hearing request. The Veteran's spouse is seeking a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and wishes to have her claim for PTSD reopened.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his service, specifically his deployment in Somalia. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 5, 2011. The rating is based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred in service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to April 19, 2013 was denied. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his previously denied prostate cancer claim based on herbicide exposure is still pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inconsistencies in GAF scores and potential changes in the severity of the appellant's PTSD. The appellant is required to provide medical records from all sources, including private therapists, and a VA psychiatric examination will be scheduled.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to August 7, 2008 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's initial claim for PTSD with depression was granted, and a 50 percent rating was assigned effective November 21, 2003.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety, panic and depressive disorders, and PTSD, has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The Board finds a 70 percent disability rating is warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work. The claim will be readjudicated after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent initial rating. The other issues have not been granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to October 30, 2006, for the grant of service connection for PTSD with depression has been withdrawn. The case is now remanded for additional development regarding her claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent since February 20, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and bilateral hearing loss render him unable to follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and prior occupational history, warranting a TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD as there is no diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 4th ed., related to a verified stressor event or related to the Veteran's fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and bipolar disorder, constitutes a new claim based on distinct factual bases. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate, and a new examination is needed to determine if any current acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.