PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date prior to May 11, 2007, for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The claims for service connection for back disorder, left shoulder disorder, and residuals of a head injury, as well as the TDIU claim are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evaluations and records, particularly regarding his PTSD symptoms since August 2007.

The Veteran's claim for a permanent total disability rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need to associate all relevant documents and evidence related to the Veteran's PTSD since the June 2009 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination, stressor verification, and consideration of new evidence. The Veteran's claims are related to his service-connected PTSD and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to render him so helpless he is unable to perform self-care tasks, to include frequent adjustment of his prosthetic, dressing, bathing, dispensing of medications, or protect himself from the hazards incident to his daily environment without care or assistance of another person on a regular basis. The Board finds that the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain clarification of his current psychiatric diagnoses and whether any found disorder is related to his in-service experiences, including service in Iraq/Kuwait. The VA will also attempt to verify the occurrence of the Veteran's alleged in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since June 15, 2007. The VA found that the symptoms of his PTSD have resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board found no credible evidence of in-service stressors and thus denied the claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at John Muir Medical Center on November 5th and 6th, 2008 were denied as the treatment was not for an emergent disability.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by intermittent complaints of depression, anxiety, and irritability. There were no significant impairments in work or social functioning that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 10 percent since March 3, 1999. The appeal is for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings due to issues related to verifying service stressors and determining if PTSD is related to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially evaluated at a 50 percent rating prior to December 27, 2007. Beginning December 27, 2007, the evaluation increased to 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, with a 50% disability rating effective November 24, 2003. The claim for TDIU was denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his authorized representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and gunshot wounds to the chest and shoulder, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder, are related to his military service. The claim is granted.

The Board has previously granted TDIU on a schedular basis for the period from July 23, 2008, forward. The current appeal is about entitlement to TDIU prior to that date.