PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board is remanding the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, are related to his active service. The relaxed evidentiary standard for establishing an in-service stressor will be considered.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas but not total occupational and social impairment from March 8, 2005, to October 1, 2014. The Veteran has also been unemployable due to service-connected PTSD from March 8, 2005, to October 1, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent from December 14, 2004. The rating is now increased to 30 percent effective November 7, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with no more than occasional decreases in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The Board grants a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to May 20, 2011 and 50 percent from May 20, 2011 to April 3, 2012. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating for any portion of this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his service, and there is insufficient evidence to support a finding of an in-service stressor. The right knee disorder was also found not to be related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. However, the Veteran's current diagnosis of diabetes mellitus does not meet the criteria for service connection as it is not shown to have had its onset during active duty or be related to any in-service disease or injury, including exposure to herbicides. The acquired psychiatric disorder has also been found not to have met the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as his current diagnosis of PTSD, credible supporting evidence that a claimed in-service stressor occurred, and probative medical evidence of a nexus between the diagnosis of PTSD and the in-service stressors are all met.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

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

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and peripheral neuropathy, are of such severity as to preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD related to his service as a door gunner in Vietnam, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent rating, effective December 2, 1998. The appellant's TDIU claim was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and is now granted. Bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and ischemic heart disease are also found to be related to military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is required before the claim on appeal can be decided. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, anxiety, and depression are being remanded to allow for a VA examination and review of her treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not cause unemployability, and the Board finds that he is capable of performing sedentary employment.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is service-connected as it is linked to in-service personal assault and military sexual trauma.,The Veteran's residuals of a stress fracture of the right heel are currently evaluated at 10 percent. The claim for an increased rating remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and ensure all VCAA notice and assistance obligations are satisfied. The claims for increased PTSD rating and TDIU will be reconsidered after the requested development.