PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including shin splints as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus and psychiatric disorders. The effective date of these grants is not specified.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD, as the evidence shows that he likely experienced a traumatic event during his active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is attributable to service and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's tinnitus is the result of military noise exposure and service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations to determine service connection for various conditions, including Gulf War Syndrome, obesity, joint disorders, psychiatric disorder (PTSD), skin condition, headaches, and high blood pressure.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for ratings in excess of 30%, 50%, and 70%.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining the Veteran's mental health treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his current PTSD severity. The appeal will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and gunshot wound residuals to the neck, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he meets the threshold minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) and is unable to secure or follow such employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the etiology of any mental disorders present, including PTSD.

Service connection for PTSD was granted effective December 28, 2007. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was received on March 27, 2008 and was also granted effective December 28, 2007.,The effective date of the grant of service connection for PTSD is December 28, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from attending to the needs of nature, caring for himself, and/or protecting himself from the hazards of his environment. The criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance have been met.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify his claimed stressors and determine if they are consistent with his service. The case will be reviewed under the new version of 38 C.F.R. � 3.304(f) (2010).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression/alcoholism, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, another VA examination is required to determine if he meets the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD based on his alleged stressor event during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of secondary service connection claims. The case will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Florida Hospital Flagler on October 25, 2009 is granted. The treatment was deemed necessary due to the urgency and severity of his symptoms, which included palpitations and shortness of breath.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's PTSD. The TDIU claim is also being addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, effective October 14, 1999. The Board found that the Veteran submitted a timely substantive appeal in April 2003 and thus the September 2000 rating decision did not become final.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD existed prior to service and was aggravated by service, warranting service connection for this condition.