PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing another VA examination. The issue of service connection for alcohol abuse as secondary to PTSD is also raised by the record.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred for back surgery in March 2002 were not covered because the care was not rendered due to a medical emergency, and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD based on a verified stressor related to his military service. The VA examinations and medical records do not support a finding of service connection for depressive disorder or anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to clarify his representation and hearing requests. The issues of service connection for right ear hearing loss and PTSD are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, based on a verified in-service stressor and medical diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to incomplete development of the deck logs from USS SARATOGA. The Veteran will be afforded a VA examination if 'man overboard' incidents are confirmed in February and March 1966.

The Veteran's PTSD and MDD have been rated at 30 percent prior to June 3, 2008, and at 50 percent from that date. The appeal is denied as the criteria for higher ratings are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is due to an in-service assault and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, claimed as secondary to his service-connected postoperative status of pilonidal cyst and/or PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The claim for service connection for PTSD has already been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and bilateral hearing loss disability are related to service, with noise exposure being a significant factor. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since August 14, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not present an unusual disability picture that renders application of the regular rating schedule provisions impracticable. The Board found no basis for referral for consideration of an extraschedular rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a disability rating greater than 20 percent for diabetic neuropathy of the right foot, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on moderate impairment.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a higher rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% disabling effective September 18, 2003, and he is eligible for TDIU from that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating since July 29, 2001, based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100% disabling as of January 31, 2006. The appeal for TDIU is moot due to the grant of a higher rating. An effective date of January 31, 2006, was assigned for the increased evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to in-service sexual harassment, and she meets the criteria for this diagnosis.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and thus, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 31, 2006. The VA determined that the condition continues to cause significant social and occupational impairment.