PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of traumatic brain injury, to include headaches and amnesia, are service-connected. The psychiatric disabilities (including depression, schizophrenia NOS, and PTSD) are not service-connected based on direct evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of Other Specified Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder is related to his in-service experiences.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the issue of increased disability ratings for PTSD prior to November 3, 2008, and on and after that date. As a result, the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating as it only causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, notifying the Social Security Administration (SSA), and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective September 26, 2002. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death, and the Board finds that it was a principal cause of death.,PTSD is rated at 50 percent under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorder. No higher schedular rating is available.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was withdrawn. Service connection for prostate cancer and ischemic heart disease, both presumed to be due to herbicide exposure during service, is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of a reported in-service stressor and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination to assess the severity of his disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, provide the Veteran with VA examinations for his right ring finger and left knee disabilities, and determine if he has any current skin disorders. The service connection theory remains as direct.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and development are needed to properly adjudicate the appellant's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, acid reflux disease, and service connection for cardiac disability and erectile dysfunction. The case is being remanded to the AOJ for these purposes.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to assess the impact of his PTSD on his employability.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for a VA social and industrial survey to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and prostate cancer.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 9, 2011. The Board also granted a TDIU effective from the same date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new opinion on the Veteran's employability and his VA Vocational Rehabilitation file.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and ensuring that all actions are taken in accordance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records, an evaluation by a vocational rehabilitation specialist to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities, and consideration of the provided opinions.