PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD had its onset in service and is therefore granted as a result of direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD remains in appellate status due to outstanding VA treatment records. The case is being remanded to obtain these records and then readjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a vocational rehabilitation folder. The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD with depression, left knee disability, and TDIU are also being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no competent and credible evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's sleeping problems, panic disorder and nightmares are symptoms of his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that these conditions are secondary to the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including whether his current PTSD diagnosis can serve as corroborating evidence for his allegations of military sexual assault. Additionally, any recent treatment records should be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen and establish service connection for asthma, PTSD, irritable bowel syndrome, right hand disability, left shoulder disability, and right foot disability. The remaining issues are pending further review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and a skull fracture, were denied. The claim for PTSD was reopened based on new evidence but ultimately denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric and cognitive conditions are manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, dysthymic disorder, PTSD, and depression is granted. However, the claim for service connection for a seizure disorder is denied.,Service connection for PTSD is not granted due to lack of medical diagnosis and credible supporting evidence. Service connection for a seizure disorder is also not granted as it is related to alcohol abuse.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD should be July 13, 2000, as the Veteran's original claim was received on this date and his entitlement to service connection arose prior to this date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and VA treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after the development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims, including a PTSD examination and an evaluation of his TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is permanently impaired and whether there is a reasonable probability of permanent improvement under treatment.

The Veteran's residuals of chronic brain syndrome associated with TBI are manifested by mild impairment in memory, attention, concentration or executive functions resulting in mild functional impairment. The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, disturbances of motivation and mood, hypervigilance, and exaggerated startle response.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under DC 9411. The evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with depression, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Vet Center treatment records and providing an addendum to the April 2014 VA PTSD examination.