PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and additional development related to TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's PTSD, as well as his ability to work due to service-connected PTSD. The case is therefore being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other diagnoses, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The Board will consider evidence of sexual harassment during service and its potential impact on her current mental health conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent since July 8, 2009. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, and mood.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a hearing before RO personnel at the earliest opportunity.

The evidence does not show that the Veteran's PTSD warranted an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent prior to September 3, 2013 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and earlier effective date for his service-connected PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD, headaches, and TBI have been granted service connection. The acquired psychiatric disorder is not considered a separate issue as it is related to the PTSD.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, and granted the Veteran's claim on the merits.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and asking the Veteran to provide any additional private treatment records. The case will be returned to the Board after this is completed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and for a TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. The case is now pending further development.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating since April 27, 2015.

The Veteran's thoracic spine compression fracture with chronic lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with MDD most nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. Therefore, the criteria for an initial 70 percent rating have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and determining an appropriate effective date for TDIU.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining verification of a personal assault during service and arranging for a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury. The pre-existing TBI is found to have been aggravated by active duty service, warranting service connection.