PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing and a special home adaptation grant was denied as he is already in receipt of compensable ratings for his service-connected disabilities, which do not meet the criteria for these benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is attributable to sexual assault in service, and resolves all doubt in her favor, granting her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA psychiatric treatment records and to schedule an updated VA examination for his PTSD. The Veteran contends that his current symptoms warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, with PTSD symptoms, is rated at 70 percent and he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated as zero percent disabling, and service connection for PTSD has been granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the claim for an increased rating for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to have aggravated his pre-existing CAD, and the Board grants service connection for CAD as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's in-service stressors are related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Service connection was denied for gastroesophageal reflux due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for PTSD and service connection for hypertension, finding that his hypertension is not related to military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the receipt of new evidence since the June 2010 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which was increased to 100 percent effective December 30, 2009. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral foot metatarsalgia remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination. The issues include reopening his previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD and determining whether he is entitled to service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders.

The Board finds that the Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy. The evidence shows that on 'bad days,' he requires assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and taking medications.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired mental disorders, including anxiety disorder, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and skin condition were not service connected, while his PTSD was rated at 30 percent. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current conditions and his active service.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for the cause of death, DIC benefits, and accrued benefits due to a lack of evidence showing that the service member's conditions substantially or materially contributed to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the issues regarding peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and headaches are all denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to his failure to appear at the scheduled hearing. The case will be rescheduled for a Travel Board hearing.