PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board found no credible evidence supporting the Veteran's claims of in-service personal assault or PTSD due to service. The VA examiners concluded that his psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and a personality disorder, were not related to service.

The Veteran was granted a 100% evaluation for PTSD effective January 7, 2008. The Board also granted TDIU benefits since January 14, 2003 and denied the remaining claims.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The status of the other claims (GERD, athlete's foot, and lumbar spine disorder) is unknown.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder with PTSD is dismissed as a matter of law due to the finality of the July 1978 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been granted increased ratings, and he is now eligible for a TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and providing an opinion from a VA examiner regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and updated treatment records from the Cleveland VAMC. The issue of increased evaluation for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. A VA examination will also be conducted to determine the impact of his service-connected disability on employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD and therefore cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and his diagnosed depressive disorder or anxiety disorder are not related to his military service, including any alleged stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a disability rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED due to the need for additional evidence and examination, including treatment records from Mountain Home VA medical center and a PTSD evaluation. The TDIU claim has also been raised.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was granted a higher rating for his lumbar spine disorder, but not for the left knee disorder or TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of November 6, 2009 for a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD is granted. The claims to reopen service connection for right arm (shoulder) injury, right hand injury, and back disability are also granted.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with alcohol abuse in remission is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and authorization for private psychiatric records.

The Board has remanded the case for a new hearing due to the Veteran's son not having authority to withdraw the request and because of his mental state, which may affect his ability to participate in the hearing.

The evidence shows that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and depression, have resulted in only occasional occupational and social impairment with intermittent decreases in work efficiency. The current rating of 30 percent is deemed sufficient to reflect these symptoms.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an addendum to the August 2012 VA examination report.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing. The issues on appeal include evaluations for PTSD, left chest wound residuals, and right leg wound residuals, as well as TDIU.