PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected PTSD was denied as the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his death, as well as whether other conditions contributed to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for an updated VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The issue on appeal will be readjudicated following the examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pedophilia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder have been denied as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute substantially or materially to his death. The medical opinions provided suggest that while PTSD may have contributed to the Veteran's overall health and well-being, it was not a major factor in causing his death.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD. The Board has determined that further development is necessary, including obtaining records related to a shooting at Fort Bragg and scheduling the Veteran for an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of identified psychiatric symptoms.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current PTSD or other psychiatric disorder is related to his service, including in-service stressors. The case is REMANDED for a VA examination and review of records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination. The issues of service connection for tinnitus, gastrointestinal condition, and sleep disorder are also raised but not adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations and additional medical records. The issues of service connection for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, type II (presumptive due to Vietnam service), heart disability, and neurological disability are on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with the exception of his PTSD claim which resulted in a rating in excess of 70 percent. The other issues were resolved favorably.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete information and potential need for additional medical examination.

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

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD was denied, but his service connection for PTSD was granted with a December 14, 2007 effective date.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of serious but not total occupational and social impairment, with symptoms such as depression, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, occasional panic attacks, poor concentration, and psychomotor retardation. The Board found that the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent were not met.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as sleeping difficulties, depression, anxiety, irritability, and nightmares. These symptoms result in occasional decreases in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The Board finds that the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to be totally disabling since March 10, 2005, and therefore he is entitled to a 100% disability rating for this condition. As his PTSD also precludes him from securing or following any substantially gainful employment, he is also granted TDIU effective from March 10, 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating prior to July 1, 2009, and it has not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent since that date.

The Veteran seeks payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Eye Center in Denver, Colorado on January 17, 2007. The NAPC has approved payment to Swedish Hospital for emergency treatment related to a fall injury and referral to the Eye Center. However, without records from Swedish Medical Center regarding the Veteran's return visit, the Board cannot determine if the Eye Center treatment was part of the approved emergency care.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is rated at a separate initial evaluation of 10 percent, effective from the date of the decision. His head injury residuals have been assigned a 30 percent rating since July 1947.