PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum psychiatric opinion to determine whether the Veteran meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis and if so, whether it is related to service. The Veteran's stressor of being attacked by mortar fire in-service has been confirmed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from August 12, 2008. The Board has decided to remand the case for an addendum opinion regarding the frequency, severity, and duration of his PTSD symptoms, particularly focusing on suicidal ideation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it arose from a confirmed in-service stressor.

The Veteran has withdrawn his claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased evaluation for coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected left thumb strain, status post old fracture deformity first metacarpal bone, entitlement to a compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person have been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from February 9, 2010 to December 10, 2014 and at 70 percent thereafter. The issue of a TDIU prior to December 11, 2014, is considered inextricably intertwined with the PTSD rating claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since January 17, 2015. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for the period from August 3, 2009 to January 16, 2015.

The Veteran's PTSD and major depression are found to be related to his active service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and increased the rating for PTSD to 70 percent, effective July 17, 2008.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and depression allegedly related to a miscarriage during INACDUTRA. The Board has ordered additional development including verifying the dates of her military service, obtaining medical records, and contacting the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, left lower extremity neuropathy, right lower extremity neuropathy, and TDIU are still pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective September 24, 2009. The Board granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's unemployability due to her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression is dismissed. The Board finds that the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding this issue during a hearing before the Board in October 2016. Service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability is denied as there is no evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's in-service stressor is not conceded and therefore, his claims for PTSD and depression are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD resulted in impairment more nearly approximating occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include depression, is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 50 percent for PTSD from January 8, 2004 to April 27, 2014 is denied. The effective date for the grant of TDIU is set at January 8, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and he meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The effective date of this award is not before the Board at this time.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his diagnosed acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 30 percent since May 6, 2003. Effective August 17, 2010, the rating has increased to 50 percent.

The Board has expanded the claim to include service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, encompassing all psychiatric disabilities reflected in the record. The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to outstanding treatment records from the Springfield Vet Center and a need for additional evidence.