PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to determine the current nature and likely etiology of any psychiatric disability since the Veteran filed his claim in November 2009, as well as VA treatment records should be obtained.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for PTSD, anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), and depressive disorder. The evidence received since the March 2008 decision supports a finding that these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since the date of claim, and his TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for additional treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board found that the evidence does not clearly and unmistakably show a preexisting psychiatric disorder, and the preponderance of the evidence is against finding an acquired psychiatric disorder was initially manifested during or related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective March 13, 2009. Prior to this date, the rating remained at 50 percent. The Veteran is now entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria to establish service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression due to lack of credible in-service stressors. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bowel incontinence, and bladder incontinence are not related to active duty service. The VA examiner opined that these conditions were less likely as not incurred or caused by active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and PTSD, as well as TDIU, are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding herbicide exposure.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for peripheral vascular disease due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The Veteran's PTSD is rated 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU since February 26, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, respiratory failure due to COPD, is related to his service-connected shell fragment wound of the right chest status post removal of 2.5 inches of the rib, Muscle Group XXI.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted due to his symptoms.,The Veteran's status post head concussion with post-concussion syndrome and headaches are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating of 40 percent is warranted based on the severity of his condition.,The Veteran's mixed headache disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD secondary to an in-service sexual assault, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD meets the criteria for a TDIU rating, and the Board has granted this claim based on the evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his disability.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence has been rated at 70 percent since May 18, 2009. The appeal is denied as the disability does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with substance abuse and dysthymic disorder cannot be earlier than December 15, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant an increased disability rating as they do not cause total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain medical records and the Veteran's consent for VA to seek additional private treatment records. The claims will be remanded for this purpose.