PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a left eye injury, finding that the current cataract is as likely as not related to the Veteran's in-service left eye injury. The remaining claims are remanded due to insufficient examination reports and need further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The personality disorder was also not considered a disease or injury for VA purposes.

The Veteran's initial and subsequent ratings for his psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to September 4, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the AOJ due to inextricably intertwined issues, including service connection and increased ratings for hernia/stomach disability and right ear hearing loss. The case will be remanded for further development and adjudication.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection for depression with anxiety and panic attacks, sinus disability, irritable bowel syndrome, and restless leg syndrome. The Veteran's statements regarding his experiences in service have been considered.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of PTSD and a TDIU request are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing the Veteran with another opportunity to provide employment information.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or homebound status was denied as he does not have a factual need for aid and attendance due to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for individual unemployability was granted with an effective date of August 3, 2009. The Board found that the original claim was filed on this date and not June 11, 2010 as previously determined.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing before the RO. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, broken right ear drum, and tinnitus were denied as there is no current disability. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder was remanded.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating due to mild or transient symptoms causing no more than slight occupational or social impairments.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there is no new and material evidence since the June 1982 rating decision denying this claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of this rating is not warranted. The evidence does not support a finding of total disability due to service-connected disabilities for TDIU purposes prior to November 25, 2009. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD has also been denied.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for internal hemorrhoids and a higher rating for PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled videoconference hearing. His request for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge seated at the RO remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depression and alcohol abuse has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is related to his military service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 20, 2005. The effective date for this rating is December 20, 2006.