PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor events and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 100% disabling since January 26, 2016.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral ear disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically depression and PTSD. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence showing in-service stressors or chronic conditions that could be presumed due to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and review of the evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions and evidence in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by intermittent periods of anger, fluctuations of mood, anxiety and depression, disturbances of motivation, sleep impairment, and the ability to maintain close relationships only with immediate family members. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent disability evaluation have been met or more nearly approximated since December 13, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The VA Travel Board Hearing did not raise any new issues pertaining to this claim during the course of the hearing.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, are found to be related to his combat experiences in Vietnam. The Board grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The Board also finds that additional development is necessary before a decision may be made regarding the remaining issues on appeal, including right quadriceps and hip disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of his service in Southwest Asia and a psychiatric examination.

The Veteran seeks service connection for his current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions and whether they are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that an effective date of March 9, 2007 is warranted for the grant of a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected PTSD.

The evidence does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent prior to October 10, 2012, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA medical records and conduct a new examination. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is causally related to his service-connected PTSD and grants service connection for this condition. The other issues on appeal are remanded.

The Board granted a disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to June 16, 2011, based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood. A rating of 70 percent is granted for PTSD.

The case is REMANDED to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development and readjudication. The Veteran needs a VA psychiatric examination to determine if he has PTSD, its etiology, and whether any other acquired psychiatric disorder had its onset during service or is otherwise related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 14, 2007. The Board found that the symptoms more nearly approximated a 70 percent rating.