PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further proceedings consistent with a Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR). The claims of service connection for psychiatric disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and left hip disorder are inextricably intertwined with the issues of service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's service-connected PTSD causes him to be unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is found to be related to his active military service and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found no current diagnosis of a psychiatric disability, including depression. The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

Your claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, and you are now receiving a 50% rating effective from January 24, 2014. The issue is dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has already been granted in full.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and finds that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is less likely than not incurred in or caused by his active duty service. The right eye condition claim is denied as there is no competent evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased initial rating for PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as a result of service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. Service connection is granted as the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his reported in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relationships, judgment, thinking or mood. The VA determined that a 70 percent rating was appropriate for this period.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting mild to moderate occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, PTSD, and depression) were not incurred or aggravated during service. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 1, 2007. The claim for TDIU is also granted effective November 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD, with alcohol and cannabis dependence in sustained full remission, has resulted in total occupational and social impairment. However, the Veteran is currently employed and able to maintain his employment.

The Veteran's PTSD was primarily manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but the evidence does not support a higher rating than 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, were not incurred or aggravated as a result of active service.

The Veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD, which is rated at 70 percent disabling. His other service-connected conditions do not meet or approximate the percentage requirements for TDIU.

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

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding new and material evidence. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for MRSA infection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.