PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, thoracic spine fractures (claimed as a lower spine injury), left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, broken ribs, and left knee condition. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's migraines are rated at 30 percent since May 23, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death, which occurred due to cardiac arrest. The Board determined that the Appellant's testimony regarding the exacerbation of PTSD by restraints provided sufficient evidence to grant her claim.

The Veteran likely has PTSD that is attributable to his active military service, and the Board finds there is credible and competent medical evidence of a PTSD diagnosis resulting from disease or injury incurred in active military service. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has denied reopening the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depression and PTSD due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess any sleep disorder(s) and heart disability. The Veteran's TDIU claim also requires clarification from his former employer regarding why he was unable to work.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and an initial disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD with depressive disorder. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas prior to September 8, 2014. However, the evidence does not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating at any time during the entire appellate period.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and tinnitus, do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment. The preponderance of evidence does not show he is unemployable solely due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for primary insomnia. The effective date and initial ratings for PTSD and onychomycosis are not addressed in this decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as a persistent depressive disorder, pre-existed service and did not permanently increase in severity beyond the natural progression during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to further development being required.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric symptoms did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and were not caused by a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to outstanding records and the need for further examination. The Board will determine if his current psychiatric disorders are related to his service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an extraschedular evaluation for PTSD and TDIU, as well as a prior effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA). The appeal was dismissed due to lack of timely Notice of Disagreement filed with the July 2005 rating decision.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA and Vet Center treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to address the etiology of his psychiatric disability and right eye blindness, and determining whether service connection can be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inconsistencies in the treatment records and need for a new VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraines, left ankle disability, back disability, and bilateral knee disabilities have been granted. The claim for PTSD has not been reopened.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and readjudication of his PTSD rating claim and TDIU claim.