PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which approximates the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran also meets the criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and an anxiety disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of concussion with headaches (claimed as TBI) are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The case has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if there was a personal assault during service that may have contributed to his current psychiatric conditions.

Since October 5, 2009, but no earlier, the Veteran's PTSD has manifested by symptoms resulting in total occupational and social impairment. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD effective December 2, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor of being assaulted by his drill instructor is established, and he is currently diagnosed with PTSD. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his in-service stressors are corroborated and he meets the DSM-IV/V criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements have been considered as sufficient to establish the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not alone preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as he has other non-service connected disabilities that impact his ability to work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD and remanded the issue of TDIU to the AOJ. The Veteran's claim is now being returned for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records and providing a VA examination to determine if any current acquired psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to July 7, 2014, and at 70 percent as of that date. The effective date for the TDIU rating remains pending.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 29, 2002 for the award of service connection for PTSD with MDD. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development of his claims. The primary issue is the evaluation of PTSD, with an existing claim for service connection for tinnitus not yet resolved.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent evaluation, which is the maximum available under the rating criteria. The case is remanded for further development regarding TDIU and inpatient care.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied PTSD claim and found that there is sufficient evidence to link his current PTSD diagnosis to an in-service stressor of being on land in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating since May 3, 2010. The Veteran also meets criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 30 percent disabling prior to June 5, 2012. Since then, the disability is now rated at 50 percent based on significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cardiomyopathy is granted. The claim for a higher rating for PTSD and the TDIU based on PTSD in combination with other service-connected disabilities are both granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment, with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board finds a rating of 50 percent is warranted.