PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

PTSD rated at 70 percent from November 13, 2007,Chloracne remains at 30 percent

The Board has granted service connection for chronic TBI residuals and increased the Veteran's disability rating from 30 to 50 percent for his PTSD and cognitive disorder, effective July 13, 2011. The issues of entitlement to a TDIU have been remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, respiratory failure, was not related to his service-connected disabilities and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent for the period from February 28, 2003 to October 4, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain updated VA outpatient treatment records, provide adequate notice under VCAA, and schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if her acquired psychiatric disorder is related to in-service assault or childhood sexual abuse.

The Veteran's appeal is for earlier effective dates for the award of a temporary total disability rating based on hospitalization for PTSD, and for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities.,These claims are being denied as there is no evidence showing that the Veteran filed an earlier claim with VA.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent from August 17, 2004, to February 1, 2010. After this period, the rating was increased to 30 percent effective February 1, 2010.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining records regarding alleged stressful events in Vietnam and VA examinations to determine the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by service, and is therefore denied.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity is granted as these conditions are associated with his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is related to active military service events and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred during active military service.

Service connection for PTSD has been granted.,Pending decisions on service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in excess of the current assigned disability ratings for PTSD, fibromyalgia, and IBS with a hiatal hernia and GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The current evaluation of 50% is maintained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran must be afforded a new and comprehensive VA psychiatric examination to determine the diagnoses of all psychiatric disorders present, including PTSD. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD results in mild and transient symptoms that decrease work efficiency during periods of significant stress. The current rating is appropriate as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.