PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective August 5, 2013. The symptoms include intrusive thoughts, anxiety, avoidance, difficulty remembering, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and hypervigilance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a higher rating for his right knee disability, as well as the issue of entitlement to TDIU based on his right knee disability, are being remanded due to outstanding records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied in February 1998, and he filed a petition to reopen his claim on May 25, 1999. The petition was denied in July 1999, but the Veteran did not file a timely appeal or provide new evidence within one year of the denial. His September 13, 2009 claim for PTSD resulted in an effective date of May 25, 1999.,The earliest communication indicating intent to file a claim for service connection for restrictive pulmonary disease was received on September 13, 2009. The Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied PTSD claim led to the grant of service connection for PTSD effective September 13, 2009. Therefore, the effective date for service connection for restrictive pulmonary disease cannot predate this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depression, or a skin disorder related to his military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected PTSD on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's cause of death, a self-inflicted gunshot wound due to depression and posttraumatic stress disorder, is considered service-connected.

The Veteran is granted a rating of 70 percent for anxiety disorder with PTSD from November 16, 1994 to December 20, 1994; March 1, 1995 to July 13, 1998; July 14, 1998 to June 27, 2004; and August 1, 2004 to August 26, 2007.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU rating prior to August 27, 2007.

The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD and depression are related to an in-service sexual trauma, which is considered a personal assault. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety and bilateral hearing loss are rated at 50 percent prior to April 17, 2014, and 60 percent thereafter. The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU effective January 14, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for the issues of PTSD, arthritis of the neck, low back, and left side, cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, right knee disability, headaches, hearing loss, a disability to account for joint and body aches, and sore throat. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The evidence does not support the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's service treatment records are silent regarding any psychiatric complaints or symptoms, and there is no verified stressor related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but did not cause total occupational and social impairment. The initial rating of 50 percent prior to October 10, 2013, is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include as secondary to chronic lumbar myositis, is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA addendum opinion and the need for additional development including obtaining private treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment from April 11, 2005 through March 17, 2010. The disability effectively prevented the Veteran from establishing or maintaining effective relationships.

The Board has determined that further examination and medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's low back disability, right foot disability, left foot disability, and psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The appeal for nonservice-connected pension benefits remains pending and will be addressed after all necessary steps are taken.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, including a right knee strain, meniscal tear, and bone contusion with cyst, is related to her INACDUTRA period of service. The acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is found to be related to her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of traumatic brain injury with headaches and PTSD have been granted a 30 percent rating effective from September 29, 2011. The decision also addressed the Veteran's increased rating claim for his headaches after this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tension headaches are related to her military service and grants service connection for this condition.