PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent disabling since January 21, 2009. The other conditions have not met the criteria for higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and PTSD were evaluated, but the Board found that neither condition warranted a higher rating than what was initially assigned. The decision denied both issues on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation of his service-connected PTSD remains under review, and the issue of entitlement to TDIU is also part of this appeal. The RO must ensure all necessary development has been completed before readjudicating these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Peripheral Neuropathy of the Feet are granted, with the latter being related to in-service cold injury.

The Veteran's death was caused by pulmonary fat emboli, which were not related to his service-connected conditions. The Board found that the service-connected prostate cancer and PTSD did not cause or materially contribute to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for hepatitis, emphysema, and TDIU. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms which decrease work efficiency and ability to perform occupational tasks during periods of significant stress. The current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no new and material evidence presented.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's PTSD claim due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed in-service stressors and a need for additional development, including obtaining ship logs from USS Yorktown and USS Tracer.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records and consideration of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and bilateral defective hearing are service-connected due to exposure to combat during World War II.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for PTSD, but denied the claim due to a lack of verified stressor.

The Board has denied the claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD, finding that the evidence does not support a disability rating in excess of 50 percent. The case is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there was no combat exposure and his claimed in-service stressors were not verified.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records of his Workman's Compensation claim and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if service connection can be established for a back injury, bilateral hearing loss, or an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed PTSD was precipitated by stressors experienced while serving in Vietnam, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and an ear disease were denied. The claim for a compensable evaluation for hearing loss is addressed in the remand that follows this decision. The Veteran's claims of service connection for mood disorder, from September 16, 1991 to October 1, 2002, and from October 1, 2002 onwards, were denied. The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating effective from September 27, 2002.

The Veteran's claim for full disability compensation at the 100 percent rating from August 1, 1995, to September 3, 1999, is denied due to his conviction of a felony and subsequent incarceration.

The Board determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death from hepatocellular carcinoma.