PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a psychiatric examination to determine whether he has an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The Veteran's right arm or hand disability is also being examined.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD and denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not addressed due to the lack of VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with depression, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background throughout the period of appeal.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder with depression. The decision is based on a finding that there was no current disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran is entitled to SMC at a higher level due to his service-connected disabilities, including bilateral upper and lower extremity symptoms.

The Veteran's initial claim of service connection for PTSD was granted, and a rating in excess of 30 percent is now warranted prior to June 13, 2011.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his headaches was denied. However, he was granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and CAD did not render him unemployable from November 15, 2007 to October 5, 2010. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence shows he was capable of performing some form of employment during this period.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, memory loss, and depression, is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since May 4, 2012, reflecting a significant improvement from the previous 30 percent rating. The disability has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding her psychiatric and left wrist disabilities. The issues of service connection are pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and finds that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran is found to have an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, which is related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to November 10, 2011.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The RO will also consider whether he has submitted a completed VA Form 21-8940 and address any related issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD with alcohol abuse, panic attacks, and sleep disturbance remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's claimed stressors are related to his fear of hostile military activity and have been confirmed by a VA psychologist. The issue of major depressive disorder is remanded as it was not addressed in the previous decision.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and concluded that his current acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, is not related to service. The Veteran's symptoms are attributed to non-service-related factors such as financial difficulties and marital issues.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 30 percent initial rating prior to October 21, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including contacting the Veteran and scheduling a VA examination. The appeal is pending until further notice.