PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and readjudication due to his testimony indicating that his PTSD symptoms have worsened since the last VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and an anxiety disorder related to his military service in Vietnam is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, to include as secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol abuse, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD disability resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a higher rating of 50 percent prior to May 13, 2016. For the period after May 13, 2016, the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent were not met.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD. The case is REMANDED to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development and an additional VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 9, 2010. The evidence shows that his symptoms have caused moderate occupational and social impairment but not the more severe deficiencies in most areas required for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an increased evaluation for lichen planus. The claim for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to active service or herbicide exposure, and continuity of symptomatology has not been established. For lichen planus, the Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7822.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining verification of in-service stressors and medical opinions regarding the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension.

For the period prior to April 25, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent.,For the period beginning April 25, 2013, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his service-connected PTSD, which contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD with other specified depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent since March 29, 2011. The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD prior to May 9, 2011, most closely approximates a 100 percent rating due to total occupational and social impairment caused by suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriate and effectively, and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. As of May 9, 2011, the Veteran's PTSD manifests with symptoms including depression, self-isolation, nightmares, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts, causing occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and bipolar disorder was denied as there is insufficient evidence to verify the claimed stressors, and no indication that his current conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of a verified in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and drug and alcohol abuse, is denied as he was not on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training at the time of a reported stressor. Without the requisite period of service, there is no legal basis upon which the claim may be granted.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 50 percent since March 13, 2009. The Board found that the disability does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion from a VA examiner to determine if any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular A&A and/or HB. The appeal is currently pending further action.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for VA treatment records, SSA records, and a new opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since February 9, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating and denied his claim for an increased rating. For the period prior to February 28, 2011, and from October 1, 2012, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful employment.