PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal for an initial increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus was dismissed due to the Veteran expressing his desire to withdraw from appellate review of this issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted, and he has service connection for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure. The issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and his right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent disabling. The combined rating is 80 percent. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's abdominal scars are rated at a compensable level, and his PTSD is service-connected. However, the reduction in his PTSD disability evaluation from 50% to zero percent was not proper.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse is currently rated at 30 percent, effective April 10, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms warrant this rating.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective January 24, 2006, as he became unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities on that date.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the current condition and service. The acquired neuropsychiatric disorder claim is denied as there was no diagnosed condition at the time of service. Service connection for lumbar spine disorder and passive aggressive personality disorder are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, are related to his service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions based on their direct relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected anxiety disorder and obtaining outstanding VA medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, lung cancer, and bladder cancer were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link between the conditions and his military service. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a valid claim for these conditions due to the lack of proof of a current disability.

The Veteran's PTSD and tinnitus have been granted service connection, with a 10 percent initial rating for PTSD effective from April 10, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted with a 50 percent disability rating effective August 10, 2009. His left shoulder degenerative joint disease (status post left acromioclavicular fracture) was also granted with a 10 percent disability rating effective the same date.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and granted the claim, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted to support his claims of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were granted, with the effective date not specified.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, sleep apnea, and chronic back condition, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his psychiatric disorders and physical disabilities. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is related to his combat experience in Iraq and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding no CUE in the August 20, 2004 rating decision that granted service connection and assigned March 19, 2004 as the effective date. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's estate seeks reimbursement for expenses related to the Veteran's last illness, which is alleged to be PTSD. The Board has ordered further development of the claim due to potential issues with cause of death and service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and determined that new evidence received since the previous denial supports a finding that he has PTSD related to his military service. The Board granted service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and an increased rating for PTSD were denied. The Board finds that further development is needed to ensure all relevant evidence has been considered.