PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, which meets the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the applicable criteria. The TBI with postconcussive headache residuals warrants a noncompensable rating. There is no compensable rating for vertigo.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing a cardiac specialist's opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or contributed to his death and if it either caused or permanently worsened his coronary artery disease and/or acute respiratory failure beyond normal progression.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent disabling, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted for any portion of the period on appeal.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder, PTSD, panic disorder with agoraphobia secondary to PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and alcohol dependence, is rated at 70 percent for the entire appeal period. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously evaluated as 30 percent prior to May 27, 2015 and is now denied for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent. From May 27, 2015 onwards, the Veteran's PTSD remains at a non-compensable rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a 100 percent rating. However, his TDIU claim is moot as he has already been granted a temporary total hospitalization rating due to PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD causes moderate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Board is remanding the case for further development to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for various psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The AOJ will verify the alleged stressor event and conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his psychiatric conditions.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran meets the DSM-IV criteria for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and whether such is related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, due to a personal assault while in service. The evidence now includes a criminal investigation report of the alleged assault and a nexus statement from her treating nurse practitioner. The Board finds that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are likely related to this assault.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in 2008, but reopened and again denied in 2011. New evidence received within the appeal period supported his claim, leading to a grant of service connection effective October 23, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD from April 2, 2009 to May 22, 2013. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the date of increase in severity and the collective impact on employment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was manifested by chronic sleep disturbance, anxiety and irritability, flattened affect, impairment of short and long term memory, impaired abstract thinking, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. The frequency, severity, and duration of his symptoms most nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion from a mental health specialist regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service and his current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD and his bilateral shoulder disability. His neck, upper back, hand, knee, and ankle disabilities are not related to active service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability is service-connected and rated at the maximum available benefit. The appeal for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and right inguinal hernia has been withdrawn.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for hepatitis C, PTSD, and MRSA. The new evidence submitted since the August 2007 rating decision is sufficient to reopen these claims.