PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining verification of a claimed stressor and providing a VA examination to determine the etiology of any psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion and/or scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, relationships, judgment, thinking, or mood from December 21, 2009 to December 4, 2013. Effective December 4, 2013, the symptoms have resulted in more severe occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied service connection for right eye chalazion and Gulf War Syndrome (formerly diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome due to undiagnosed illness), but granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's stressor was related to fear of hostile military activity during his service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, was denied as there is no credible evidence of a verified in-service stressor and the diagnosed condition is not related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifest by total occupational and social impairment since August 2, 2005, warranting a disability rating of 100 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and dysthymia, was denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current condition to service or any in-service stressors. For his low back disability, ratings were denied as insufficient evidence supported higher schedular ratings prior to October 22, 2010, but a higher rating from that date onwards was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and his representative. The issues of rating PTSD and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability are being reviewed.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board found that his symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death and DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, finding that there was no evidence linking any service-connected disability to his death.

The Veteran is rendered unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected PTSD, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, and hypertension as secondary to service-connected psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's claims are remanded for additional development regarding the relationship between his hypertension and PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to April 30, 2012, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim at this time.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and updated medical records. The case will be readjudicated after the development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current respiratory disorder or right foot disorder, and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied. The claims for dental trauma, lead paint poisoning, gout of bilateral legs, skin disorder due to Agent Orange exposure, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's jaw disability is not related to service, and his PTSD with depressive disorder warrants a 30 percent initial evaluation prior to August 9, 2012, but no higher. From that date, the Veteran's condition does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and his claim for TDIU was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records and the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's back condition.