PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of his psychiatric treatment records. The examiner will determine if the Veteran has a diagnosis of PTSD related to his active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the maximum available rating for this disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically a psychotic disorder, is service-connected as it had its onset during military service. The right knee disability claim remains unresolved.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD as there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor and the diagnosis of PTSD was linked to a 2008 work injury, not service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases for its decision, lack of recent VA progress notes and examination reports, and failure to provide sufficient development.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to an increased rating higher than 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a copy of his VA/C&P examination report and any recent treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a social and industrial survey to assess his employment status and functional impairment due to service-connected disabilities prior to November 2011. A medical opinion will also be obtained regarding the cumulative effect of these conditions on his employability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The evidence did not establish a diagnosis of PTSD based on any claimed stressor or fear of hostile military activity and there was no credible supporting evidence corroborating the alleged in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairments with occasional decrease in work efficiency despite an ability to generally function satisfactorily at work and at home due to anxiety, irritability, and sleep difficulties from March 20, 2003, through October 27, 2005. From October 28, 2005 to October 31, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairments with reduced reliability and productivity due to depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, sleep difficulties, and frequent and severe impairment in work, family, and other relationships. The Veteran is rendered unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder. The appeal will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression has resulted in deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating of 70 percent from August 18, 2009 to January 13, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. He requires the use of a motorized scooter or power wheelchair and is unable to leave the home at his discretion. He requires regular personal assistance from his wife and others to perform self-care and activities of daily living.

The case is being remanded for additional development of medical records and the provision of a VA examination to address the etiology of the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis. The TDIU claim also needs to be addressed.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of her appeal due to receiving a 100% disability evaluation.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be service connected, with the diagnosis being an anxiety disorder rather than PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional mental health records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during service. The examiner will also assess whether any other acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded for additional examination and updated VA treatment records to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder, is being remanded due to the need for a supplemental opinion regarding whether his current mental health conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are related to an in-service sexual assault. The claim is granted.