PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2015

The Board has ordered further development to determine if the Veteran had any past diagnosed psychiatric disorders during the appeal period and whether they are related to service. The case will be remanded for a VA examination and opinion regarding these issues.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for VA treatment records, and the case is being returned to the AOJ for further review.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU was granted, with the decision stating that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a cardiovascular disease or an acquired psychiatric disorder related to his active service, including as due to Agent Orange exposure. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for PTSD and back disability have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability but granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD claimed as due to military sexual trauma, is being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for PTSD and left fifth toe disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and to obtain outstanding records.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including service connection claims and an increased rating claim. The Board found no evidence of PTSD or a diagnosis thereof, and the right knee disability did not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, as well as a determination on whether he has suffered loss of use of his feet due to service-connected metatarsalgia with callosities and pes planus status post-operative.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for TDIU prior to December 12, 2014. After that date, other than PTSD, his remaining service connected disorders do not meet the schedular criteria for consideration of TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to schedule a hearing at a local RO due to his request for a videoconference hearing. The effective date of the 70 percent rating for PTSD and panic disorder without agoraphobia remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining information from his former employer and a retrospective medical opinion regarding his employment status during the relevant period.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining mental health records and clarifying the VA examiner's opinion regarding the relationship between service and current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 100 percent for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating for this condition. The Board also granted TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating from September 13, 2012.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diabetes mellitus and did not find any other issues warranting a higher initial rating or service connection.

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

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, sleep apnea, and tremors. The Veteran's PTSD claim was denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressor. Service connection for sleep apnea is moot as it has been granted by a prior rating decision. Service connection for tremors was also denied as there was no direct link between the condition and service.