PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

From March 24, 2009, to January 12, 2017, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone were not of sufficient severity to produce unemployability.,From January 13, 2017, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone are of sufficient severity to produce unemployability.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's major depressive disorder is related to his service and whether it was made in error or is currently in remission. The case will be returned for further review.

The Veteran's PTSD has not resulted in total occupational and social impairment, as his symptoms have been sporadic and intermittent over the past year.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The symptoms include flattened affect, anxiety, and difficulty understanding complex commands.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an addendum opinion regarding her PTSD claim.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his low back disability and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the low back disability, as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. For TDIU, the Board noted that the Veteran had been working full-time since 2012 and his service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD under DSM-IV and whether any current psychiatric disability is causally related to service, including fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The appeal will be reconsidered based on the entire record.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is manifested in Level III hearing acuity for both ears, resulting in a noncompensable (0%) evaluation. The Veteran's PTSD with MDD and alcohol use disorder was evaluated at 70% disabling based on the most recent VA examination conducted in March 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for traumatic brain injury, hepatitis C, and PTSD were denied as there is no competent evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and an increased rating for his headache disability. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as it was incurred during his active duty in Korea. The Veteran also had other diagnosed psychiatric conditions (depressive disorder NOS and alcohol use disorder), but these are considered to be related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain his complete service treatment and personnel records, including any disciplinary actions. An additional VA examination is also needed to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder that may be present.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, ischemic heart disease, tinnitus, scars, bilateral hearing loss, and urticaria, combine to a 70 percent disability rating. The Board finds that the evidence supports the assignment of a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining a copy of his DD-214 and any outstanding medical records. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, tension headaches, and acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot disability and PTSD were not incurred in or related to active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to a service-connected psychiatric disorder, which is presumed to be related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam. The Board found the evidence to be in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's undiagnosed PTSD contributed to his suicide by gunshot wound.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is granted as service connection is established due to the in-service military sexual trauma.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD as a result of military sexual trauma (MST), is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD more nearly approximates total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating for the entire period on appeal. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the Veteran's current schedular 100 percent rating for PTSD.