PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

Service connection for migraine headaches has been granted.,Service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) have not been established.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was previously denied. New evidence has been submitted, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or an anxiety disorder related to military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service records and need for further development regarding alleged stressors and medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since the appeal period began, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her low back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a current disability related to her inservice complaints of pelvic pain, which is necessary to establish service connection.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease results in a workload of 3 METs or less causing dyspnea, fatigue, angina, dizziness, or syncope. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for coronary artery disease is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his in-service stressor. The remaining claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 25, 2009. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was incurred in service and granted. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but a higher rating may be warranted based on the recent increase in symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board hearing at the RO. The service connection issue remains unresolved and will be addressed in the future.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating of PTSD, and the Board has dismissed this matter.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 100 percent disabling effective February 15, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and prostatitis, have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 1, 2008. The Board has determined that the effective date for TDIU should be December 1, 2008.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, or residuals of molar pregnancy.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for PTSD with depression, as there is no credible evidence to substantiate the claimed in-service stressors and the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are not linked to her military service.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent for the Veteran's PTSD prior to June 17, 2011, based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, thinking, and mood.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new examination by a VA board-certified psychiatrist to determine if PTSD based on personal/sexual assault in the military is satisfied and whether it began during active duty. The issue of service connection remains pending.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for PTSD with depression, migraine headaches, and endometriosis. The Veteran is found to have a current diagnosis of PTSD with depression that is related to her active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has not been manifested by total occupational and social impairment at any time during the period on appeal, thus his claim for a higher rating is denied.