PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, which is considered a direct cause of death. The claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is therefore granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder. The Veteran's current symptoms are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to December 13, 2006, and at 70 percent thereafter. The claim for a TDIU is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining information about the Veteran's claimed in-service personal abuse.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and depression. The Board has determined that further development is needed, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder present.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 20, 1998, for the award of service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to pending issues.

The Veteran's Alzheimer's disease is not found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board also determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such severity as to render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2. The Veteran has PTSD that is related to in-service stressors. Service connection for degenerative disk disease of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine is granted as secondary to his service-connected right ankle sprain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chloracne was denied in November 2000 and not reopened with the submission of new evidence.,PTSD was granted with a 30% disability rating from August 5, 2002 to June 7, 2005.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for kidney dysfunction and PTSD. The Veteran is to provide medical records, obtain military police reports, witness statements, or line of duty investigation reports, and state any new evidence he may have.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and his claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. His claims for diabetes mellitus and hypertension are also addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no credible evidence of an in-service stressor related to his claimed sexual assault.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, as evidenced by difficulty concentrating, occasional panic attacks, anxiety, but no conflict with coworkers or relational problems with family.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability determination records. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities will be evaluated to determine if they are related to service.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder has been productive of occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his mobility limitations, which are not considered equivalent to the loss of use of any extremity or blindness in both eyes.