PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his mental health records and a VA examination. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided were inadequate and remands the case for further development, including obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since July 29, 2011. The Board found that the symptoms of PTSD have not met the criteria for a higher rating as they do not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, but denied the underlying claim as there is no current diagnosis and insufficient evidence to link any diagnosed condition to service.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis and found that the Veteran's sarcoidosis is at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure. The remaining issues have been remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to a personal assault that occurred during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since February 1, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent for the period prior to May 20, 2010 and a TDIU claim is moot from that date.

The Board has restored the Veteran's special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to a void ab initio reduction decision. The original rating was established through full and complete examinations, but the reduction decision did not meet regulatory requirements.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of service connection for hypertension, blurred vision and/or cataracts, and a respiratory condition/COPD. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the issue of service connection for asbestosis. The Board found that a compensable disability rating (10%) is warranted for his right forehead scar, but denied entitlement to higher ratings for PTSD and other conditions.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea has been reopened, and it is at least as likely as not that his obstructive sleep apnea began during active military service. The Veteran's PTSD and tension headaches are rated based on their impact on daily life.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining inpatient psychiatric treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by chronic sleep impairment, anxiety, depression, irritability or anger, hypervigilance, disturbances of motivation and mood, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, isolation, and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships. These symptoms were not productive of deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining employment information and SSA records. The claims will be readjudicated after this.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, but further development is needed to assess the impact of these conditions on his employability.

The Board has determined that an effective date of January 29, 1993 is warranted for the grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional procedural and evidentiary development, including notification of the claims process, obtaining relevant medical records, and scheduling a VA examination.