PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating since December 19, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities are related to her military service and specifically if she has PTSD as a result of military sexual assault trauma.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board found that the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was timely. The Board found that the Veteran's CAD more nearly approximates a workload of 8.5 METs with dyspnea, fatigue, angina, and syncope, corresponding to a 10 percent rating prior to October 11, 2012. From October 11, 2012 to October 23, 2014, the Veteran's CAD more nearly approximates a workload of greater than 3 but less than 5 METs resulting in symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, and dyspnea, corresponding to a 60 percent rating. The Board found that from October 24, 2014, the Veteran's CAD more nearly approximates a workload of 7.8 METs with fatigue, corresponding to a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to a hearing issue. The current rating of 50 percent for PTSD remains in effect.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection claims, finding no CUE in the decisions.

The Veteran's appeal is for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for service-connected PTSD, effective October 12, 2006. The case has been remanded multiple times due to the need for additional development and clarification.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation records and a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's employability prior to March 31, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have improved, with a GAF score of 70 and no suicidal ideation or plan. The Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for PTSD, but the Board finds that his disability picture more nearly approximates a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent effective July 3, 2015. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they were consistent with the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, is related to his period of service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant requesting a withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding stressor verification.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as the March 2015 VA examination is inadequate for adjudication purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disability, diagnosed as PTSD, is etiologically related to a personal assault during her active service. Therefore, she is entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he has been granted a TDIU since August 15, 2011. He also qualifies for SMC at the housebound rate due to his service-connected disabilities.,Effective from August 15, 2011, the Veteran's other service-connected conditions (PTSD, amputations, radiculopathies, spinal stenosis, and hand residuals) combine to meet or exceed a combined rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which approximates the criteria for a higher initial rating. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has also been granted.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if the minor child, K.R.K.B., meets the criteria for substitution as a 'child' of the Veteran in order to process their appeals on service connection.