PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling new examinations for his left index finger scar, right wrist SFW residuals, and right chest SFW with damage of the extrinsic muscle group I.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social deficiencies prior to May 8, 2014.,A rating of 70 percent for PTSD was granted effective March 31, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, and he now has a diagnosis of depressive disorder. The issue of residuals of cold exposure remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD and dysthymic disorder have been rated at 70 percent disabling. The Board has remanded the case for further development, including referral to VA's Director of Compensation Services or the Undersecretary for Benefits for extraschedular consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b)(1).

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA social and industrial survey to assess the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ will also seek employment information from the Veteran's most recent employer.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional service records and medical records, as well as to seek an addendum opinion regarding his eye disorders. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, right eye conjunctivitis, and acquired psychiatric disorder are being remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment from April 1, 2013. The VA examiner found the Veteran had occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to provide proper notification for a requested videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 16, 2004 for the award of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claim was received by VA on that date.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of the right knee disorder and granted it. The remaining claims, including those on the merits, are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining additional medical evidence and arranging for examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder were found to be incurred as a result of his active duty, with the Board granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right knee and hip disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, effective September 2009. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral knee disorder, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The claims of service connection for lumbar spine disorder, genitourinary disorder, residuals of retained foreign body in right cheek, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right foot disorder, low back disorder, and sleep apnea were not shown to be related to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also not linked to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues of service connection for PTSD and a skin disorder have been dismissed.