PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's esophageal cancer with metastasis to the lung is related to his service-connected Gulf War exposure. His PTSD warrants a 70% rating, and he meets the criteria for TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 70%. The effective date is not specified as it was granted during the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to render him unemployable, and the Board grants TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depression are service-connected, with the back disability issue remaining unresolved.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining clarification from a VA psychiatrist regarding whether the Veteran's fear of hostile military or terrorist activity is an adequate stressor to support a diagnosis of PTSD. The Veteran will be provided with a supplemental statement of the case if his claim remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disability, cardiac disability, acquired psychiatric disability (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), and obstructive sleep apnea. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records and for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% since the entire appeal period, and service connection for a left knee disorder and diabetes mellitus are granted as secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder has been granted. He is currently rated at 70 percent for his Major Depressive Disorder, which meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify stressor events and determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection based on direct evidence of a psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks (also claimed as PTSD), is currently rated at 50 percent. The symptoms include frequent panic attacks and difficulties in maintaining social and occupational relationships.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in symptoms sufficient to result in total occupational and social impairment for the entirety of the relevant period, warranting a 100 percent disability rating. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to November 14, 2012 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100 percent rating.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current PTSD disability and that an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his in-service combat experience, and thus service connection for psychiatric disability (claimed as anxiety, depression, and PTSD) is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD with depression, finding that the Veteran's in-service assault stressor is corroborated and his current diagnosis of PTSD is related to this verified event.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is required to determine if any psychiatric disorders are related to service or the service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his private treatment records from Dr. Z.A.R.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development of his claimed stressors and for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for PTSD was granted, and service connection for PTSD was established with a 10 percent disability rating effective October 18, 2013. The case is remanded to determine if an earlier effective date is warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant impairment, including difficulty with work and social relationships. The Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted for the service-connected PTSD.