PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for further research on a reported stressor and for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. Service connection claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD has caused total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), to include as due to exposure to herbicides, are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent disabling from May 28, 2008 through May 31, 2011.

The Board has recharacterized the Veteran's claim to encompass all currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The VA examiner will be asked to determine if any of the claimed stressors are corroborated and whether the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. If so, the examiner should provide an opinion on whether the symptoms are related to a specific in-service stressor or fear associated with hostile military activity.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board found that the appellant's psychiatric symptoms, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The back disability issue is addressed in a separate remand.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, effective October 21, 2010. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of occupational and social impairment due to PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include PTSD, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathies, Peyronie's disease, and other conditions, do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his educational background and work experience as an administrator.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 1, 2013. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule him for a VA psychiatric examination. The goal is to determine the current severity of his PTSD and assess any social and industrial impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by end-stage liver failure, which is believed to be related to his heavy drinking. The appellant argues this alcohol use/abuse was associated with or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. However, there is insufficient evidence in the record to determine if the Veteran's PTSD contributed to his alcohol use or abuse, and vice versa. Therefore, a remand is required to obtain an opinion from a VA examiner regarding these issues.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for paranoid schizophrenia due to new and material evidence submitted since the final September 2005 rating decision. The claim is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, with one disability rated at 60 percent (PTSD) and combined rating of 70 percent. The Board finds that he is unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities alone.

The Board has determined that additional development is required due to the denial of service connection for PTSD and cervical spine osteoarthritis. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further investigation into his claimed in-service stressors and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders are being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of stressors and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The Board also found that there is sufficient evidence of a connection between the Veteran's current condition and his in-service stressors, leading to a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to ensure compliance with applicable law. The case will be returned to the Board for further appellate consideration if in order.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain his SSA records, schedule him for a VA psychiatric examination, and readjudicate the issues on appeal.