PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's death was caused by Alzheimer's dementia, a non-service-connected condition. His service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since April 13, 2004. The Board found that the symptoms prior to December 12, 2007 did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is being remanded due to the need for further examination and clarification of the in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD caused occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas from June 28, 2006 through June 14, 2010. From June 15, 2010, the disability did not cause such impairments.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his psychiatric disabilities. The case will be readjudicated based on all diagnosed conditions and the revisions in 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional information regarding claimed in-service stressors.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 because the Veteran was not service-connected for a disability rated as 100% disabling for at least 10 years prior to his death. The cause of death, cardiopulmonary arrest, was not determined to be related to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, reflecting moderate impairment in occupational and social functioning.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and a left ankle disability due to lack of competent evidence showing current diagnoses or continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased disability rating to 70 percent effective September 30, 2008. He also received a TDIU effective September 30, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and service connection is granted. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is also granted as it is presumed due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's liver condition is not service connected on a direct or secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete notification and missing VA treatment records. A VA psychological examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates were not supported by evidence showing he filed his original application prior to January 11, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as incurred in service. The eye disorder is denied as not related to his military service or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective from January 13, 2004 through September 16, 2008. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 30 percent, but as of April 14, 2009, the VA determined that his symptoms warranted a 50 percent evaluation.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, as it has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD meets the criteria for a 50 percent initial rating, but no higher. The Veteran's symptoms include constricted affect, panic attacks, social avoidance, and depression due to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of issues related to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and anxiety attacks, as well as whether new and material evidence has been submitted sufficient to reopen a claim for hearing loss.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from December 8, 2004. The rating will be increased to 100 percent as of January 1, 2008.