PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and vocational rehabilitation records. A VA examination will be conducted to assess the severity of his PTSD, distinguishing symptoms from depression. Additionally, a social and industrial survey will be conducted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, maxillary and frontal sinusitis, right knee chondromalacia, and allergic rhinitis, have rendered him unable to maintain any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an opinion regarding whether any current psychiatric diagnoses are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's death was caused by a service-connected disability (PTSD) that contributed to his alcohol dependence, which is also service-connected. The Board grants the appellant's claim for burial benefits based on this finding.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of an inner head injury with a 10 percent rating effective August 21, 2001. The Veteran's claim is also granted for an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to February 3, 2010. The symptoms described do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 9411.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to June 23, 2014. From that date onward, the disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran is currently assigned a 50 percent rating for PTSD with anxiety/adjustment disorder since August 23, 1989. He seeks an increased initial rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to October 6, 2012 and over 70 percent thereafter. The claim for a higher rating remains as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors for PTSD. The Veteran must provide further information or evidence to support his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a disability rating of 70 percent effective December 20, 2013.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity was granted a disability rating of 40 percent effective February 19, 2015, and an effective date of July 14, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have primarily included depression, trouble falling and staying asleep, irritability and outbursts of anger, exaggerated startle response, trouble concentrating, hypervigilance, difficulty to establish and maintain relationships with family and friends, difficulty in adapting to work and stressful circumstances, anxiety, and suspiciousness. These symptoms are considered to suggest no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to specified dates for various service connection determinations. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of his acquired psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The remand is due to concerns about the adequacy of the previous medical opinions provided.