PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and bipolar disorder are related to his in-service stressors, establishing service connection for these conditions. The Veteran's tinnitus is also established as a result of continuous symptomatology since discharge from active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and service personnel records. A sleep apnea examination will be conducted to determine if the condition began in service or is related to service. An acquired psychiatric disorder examination will also be conducted to determine if any current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and therefore no jurisdiction remains to adjudicate the merits of the case.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD, adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, associated with atrial fibrillation with ventricular tachycardia, status post AICD implantation is dismissed as it lacks legal merit.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his PTSD severity and its impact on his employability.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD. The case will be further reviewed based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no credible evidence to support the occurrence of a confirmed in-service stressor. The Board found that while the Veteran did not engage in combat, he experienced other stressful events during service and has been diagnosed with passive-aggressive personality disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not involve loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or eyes. Therefore, he does not meet the eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance for an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has found that he meets criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity from August 20, 2007 to January 25, 2011. From January 26, 2011, the criteria for a 70 percent schedular disability rating were met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), finding no current disabilities or evidence of in-service stressors. The low back disorder claim is not addressed as it was not part of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective March 5, 2010. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of an increased rating to 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the claims of increased PTSD rating and TDIU prior to January 16, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is etiologically related to in-service stressor events, and therefore service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and gastrointestinal disability have been granted. The PTSD is due to combat stressors during service, while the gastrointestinal issues are linked to his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD from November 24, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for additional development and review by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA psychiatric examination in order to determine if his current acquired psychiatric disorders are related to his service or active anxiety.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is found to be etiologically related to his active duty service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case back to the AOJ for further action consistent with instructions provided in a Joint Motion. The Veteran's opioid dependence is unclear as to whether it is related to his service-connected PTSD.