PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to incomplete examination reports and other issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not more nearly approximate total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70 percent rating effective July 1, 2014. His diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer were both rated at their maximum schedular ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, and he is now entitled to a disability rating of 70 percent for depression. The other claims were denied.

The Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder are service-connected as they are related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his Vietnam service, which aggravated his pre-existing bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and other acquired psychiatric disorders were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, a lung disorder, hearing loss, tinnitus, a skin disorder, hypertension, calluses of the right foot, and calluses of the left foot.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and SSA records, as well as a new VA examination for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is related to his military service. Additionally, the Board found that the Veteran's low back condition had its onset during service.

The Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD or bipolar disorder, that was incurred in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records review.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD, resulting in a denial.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The other issues are not addressed as the appeal pertains to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome. The claims are also remanded for an opinion on whether he has any acquired psychiatric disability related to service or aggravated by his service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims, including verifying his reported stressors and obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video-conference hearing due to his request and the need to provide proper administrative procedures.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and back disabilities have rendered him unemployable, effective March 1, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression. The Veteran's initial ratings for chronic stuttering, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity remain unchanged.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for additional development, including scheduling a VA social and industrial survey and obtaining records from the SSA. The case will be reviewed again after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and issues, including service connection for various psychiatric, gastrointestinal, and substance abuse disorders. The case is being remanded to clarify representation and schedule the appropriate hearing.