PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide an addendum opinion regarding her psychiatric conditions. The AOJ will review the claims folder to ensure all requested development has been completed.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD has been granted, and he is now entitled to a rating based on the merits.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, and Panic Disorder) is also considered in this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at a 70 percent since August 13, 2010 to March 23, 2014. The evidence shows that his PTSD has caused significant occupational and social impairment during this period.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent disability rating since May 14, 2015.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a present psychiatric disability, specifically anxiety disorder and PTSD. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

For the period of appeal prior to April 12, 2015, the Veteran's PTSD was productive of occupational and social impairment in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The rating assigned is 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD, sleep apnea, and hypertension are all found to be service-connected. The Veteran is granted an initial non-compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted by the AMC in an August 2016 rating decision, effective February 14, 2011. The appeal concerning bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with persistent depressive disorder and alcohol abuse has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating since September 18, 2007.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Panic Disorder, is etiologically related to his active service. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection have been met.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and consideration, including verifying an alleged sexual assault during ACDUTRA as a potential stressor for PTSD.

The Veteran's death in May 2011 was not related to a service-connected disability or service. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that his death was caused by a service-connected condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence received since the June 2007 rating decision is new and material to establish a link between her current mental health conditions and in-service personal assaults.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and any SSA disability benefit determinations. A new VA examination will also be scheduled to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. Cold injury residuals of the right and left lower extremities are also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA mental health examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The issue remains on hold until further notice.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing an adequate VA examination to assess his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder are being remanded due to inadequate notice and the need for new examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining historical information about the Bremerton Naval Shipyard and VA medical records from Birmingham. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder, and the Veteran's current mood disorder is not considered to be related to his military service.