PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were not continuously rated totally disabling for at least five years from the date of his separation from service, and he did not meet the requirement of being a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999. Therefore, DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 were denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing personnel records and corroborating evidence of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition and for obtaining any relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has been rated at 70 percent since June 9, 2009. This rating is the maximum allowed under the criteria for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The issue of service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional records.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his PTSD and lip scar claims has been granted. The heart disorder, amblyopia, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy claims are pending.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining mental health treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected PTSD on his employability.

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

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Methodist Hospital of Southern California from February 9, 2007 to February 17, 2007 are now covered by VA. The Veteran was stabilized for transfer to a VA facility but no beds were available until the date of his discharge.

The Board has remanded the case to allow for a travel board hearing and further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anxiety disorder not otherwise specified is related to his military service in Vietnam, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

Prior to November 21, 2008, the Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, circumstantial speech, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, and impairment of short- and long-term memory.

The Board found that the appellant's PTSD prior to January 9, 2003, warranted a disability rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his service in the Republic of Vietnam, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to her death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims.

The Board found that the claimant was insane at the time of actions leading to his discharge from active service, which allowed him to receive VA benefits despite his other-than-honorable discharge. The claimant also has a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including psychosis and PTSD, incurred during active service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and thus, did not address whether it caused or aggravated any other disorders. The Board also found that his diagnosed mental disorders were not related to active service.,PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by service.