PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA medical examination, and a new examination is needed to assess the nature, extent, and etiology of any psychiatric disorders from which the Veteran suffers. The examiner must also discuss whether it is at least as likely as not that any identified psychiatric disorders are related to the Veteran's service or his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which the Board finds inadequate to reflect his current level of disability. The other service-connected conditions do not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The decision is based on the evidence not showing direct service connection.

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

The Veteran has been granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Board found that the preexisting left knee disability was not aggravated by service. Service connection is also granted for a right knee disability.

The Veteran's death was due to a stroke, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and complications from a bladder tumor. The unauthorized medical expenses incurred for treatment unrelated to PTSD were not covered by VA as the services did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under either 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725 or § 1728.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. A new VA psychiatric examination will also be conducted to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD prior to May 8, 2015 has been dismissed as the Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their request for this issue.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol dependence and entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, L5-S1.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to a stressor in service, and the Board grants service connection for PTSD. The back disability and left index finger disability are not found to be directly related to service.

The Veteran's appeal of the April 2006 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD was not perfected, and that decision became final. His request to reopen his claim was received on March 16, 2011, and an effective date prior to that date is not warranted as a matter of law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no indication that his current psychiatric symptoms are related to military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted service connection, and the Board finds that he is entitled to this benefit based on his combat experience in Korea. The low back disability and TDIU issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling from May 16, 2011. The rating was increased based on the severity of his symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder NOS with PTSD features has been rated at 30 percent since July 12, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD related to his military service and therefore, denied the claim for service connection for PTSD. The issue of right lower extremity radiculopathy is also denied as it was found to be less likely than not caused or aggravated by the service-connected lumbar myositis.

For the period from January 26, 2011 to November 5, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms such as disturbances of motivation and mood, difficulty in establishing effective relationships, and reduced reliability and productivity.,Resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran, for the period from November 6, 2013, his PTSD nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of her PTSD and obtaining all relevant treatment records. The Veteran contends that her service-connected PTSD has worsened since the last examination.

The Veteran's initial claims for service connection for a left hip disability, right knee disability, and left foot disability were denied in January 2007. New evidence received since then has been found to be new and material, reopening the claims.,PTSD was rated as 50 percent disabling prior to April 14, 2015, and is now rated as 70 percent disabling after that date.