PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating was increased to 70 percent, and his hypertension and GERD disabilities are found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and his duodenal ulcer is rated at 20 percent. Service connection for prostate disability and diabetes mellitus are granted due to herbicide exposure in the Gulf War.

The Veteran's depression NOS is found to be secondary to her service-connected post traumatic seizure disorder with headaches, and she is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is denied as the evidence does not show he was unable to work prior to January 3, 2008.,The Veteran's eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, is also denied as his claim cannot be granted earlier than January 3, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled Board hearing. The case will be returned to the RO to arrange for a new hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent from April 19, 2010 to August 15, 2010 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter. The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are rated as 20 percent since June 1, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD with polysubstance dependence is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective from the date of the decision. The rating reflects his severe substance abuse and hospitalizations but not yet meeting criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD and granted service connection for right superior quadrantanopsia. The decision on right superior quadrantanopsia is based on direct evidence of a current disability, as it was present during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as her claimed PTSD and major depressive disorder are not related to in-service events or treatment, and the evidence does not support a finding of additional disability due to VA care.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and remanded the claim for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The Veteran's depressive disorder was diagnosed, but not PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is causally related to a verified in-service stressor, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's mental disorders, including depression and PTSD, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not begin during service or within one year of separation and is not shown by competent medical evidence to be causally related to service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, was also denied due to lack of credible evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to evaluate his PTSD and post-operative herniated disc, lumbar spine, L3-4.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran is competent to manage his own funds without limitation, and the Board finds that he has demonstrated this competency throughout the appeal period.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, hepatic and renal failure due to sepsis, was not caused by or substantially contributed to by his service-connected conditions (PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and cirrhosis).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to ensure a complete record, including obtaining SSA records and conducting new VA examinations. The case will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent, reflecting reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, impaired judgment, and difficulty in establishing effective work relationships. The hearing loss disability remains noncompensable.