PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain the Appellant's Reserve records from November 1989 to May 1993, and then readjudicate the claims. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to February 28, 2011, and increased to 70 percent from February 28, 2011, to May 15, 2014.

The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD, MDD and depression NOS are at least as likely as not related to his period of active duty.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as the Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for a pulmonary condition, an increased disability rating higher than 40 percent for residuals of a left leg shell fragment wound, and an initial disability rating higher than 20 percent for left lower extremity scar residual of shrapnel wound and skin graft. The Board also found that the Veteran's lumbar spine strain is secondary to his service-connected residuals of a left leg shell fragment wound.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder, with particular attention given to whether PTSD resulted from in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep disability, including sleep apnea, is related to his service. Additional development and an examination are needed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since November 20, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms of his PTSD have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea and whether it was caused or aggravated by his PTSD medication. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination if deemed necessary.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to warrant a 50 percent evaluation, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD and an evaluation of his claim for TDIU.

The Board has ordered further development due to unresolved questions regarding the nature and etiology of any pre-existing acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses include PTSD, Bipolar II - depressed, and other mood disorders.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was granted as of April 25, 2016.,The Veteran's PTSD was denied an increased disability rating.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by his representative, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, that was caused by service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent prior to June 15, 2016.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was manifested by symptoms consistent with occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from June 29, 2016. The disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a 70 percent or higher evaluation.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and does not meet the applicable criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that his diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder was present in service or for many years thereafter, and has not been shown by competent and probative medical evidence to be etiologically related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 50 percent rating, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, impaired judgment, and difficulty in understanding complex commands.