PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, unspecified anxiety, and major depressive disorder. This includes obtaining treatment records from the Vet Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, scheduling a VA examination, and providing an etiological opinion regarding the nature and origin of the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD and did not find new and material evidence to reopen the claim of major depressive disorder. The case is being remanded to attempt verification of stressors related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and the Board has determined that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing appropriate examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a social and industrial survey to determine his ability to work due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been rated at 70 percent since January 6, 2016. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU are met due to these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have caused reduced reliability and productivity, but not severe impairment in most areas as required for a higher rating. The Board denied the claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent prior to December 2, 2015, and denied the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent since that date.

The Board found clear and unmistakable error in the March and December 2004 RO decisions, granting service connection for PTSD with an effective date of December 18, 2003.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and mood disorder, is at least as likely as not caused by an in-service assault. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities other than PTSD and his sleep apnea. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded to obtain additional records and conduct a VA examination. The issue will be reconsidered after all development is completed.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, currently diagnosed as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, was incurred in active service due to a sexual assault.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is causally related to events during active service and granted her claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol dependence from August 16, 2004 through December 18, 2007; an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol dependence since December 19, 2007; and a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability prior to December 19, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to its inextricability with the pending claims for service connection and increased rating. The claims for service connection and increased rating are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for further development of his military service records and stressor verification.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and verification of his claimed stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent disabling, effective September 7, 2010. The appeal for higher ratings remains pending.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD with depression and bilateral hearing loss.,Service connection is pending for Throat Cancer, Thrombocytopenia, and Pseudophakia, Status-post Bilateral Cataract Removal.