PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to PTSD is being remanded as the VA has not provided sufficient evidence regarding whether his service-connected PTSD alone renders him unemployable.

The appellant has withdrawn her appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and entitlement to accrued benefits. As a result, these issues are dismissed.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the competent evidence does not support a diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, to include a rating in excess of 30 percent earlier than February 2011, was denied by the Board. The evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, as her hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disabilities are not related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal involves a request for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant records, including SSA disability benefits information, and provide the Veteran with another opportunity to submit evidence. The claims will be remanded for further adjudication.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for PTSD and a lumbar spine disorder, finding no current diagnosis of either condition. The claim for PTSD was denied due to lack of evidence conforming to DSM-IV criteria. The claim for a lumbar spine disorder is remanded as there is insufficient information in the July 2006 VA examination report.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to his left below-the-knee amputation. The Veteran is in receipt of SMC based on anatomical loss of one foot, but he does not require regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD was manifested by symptoms including occupational and social impairment with no more than occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, and chronic sleep impairment. The criteria for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent were not met.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling appropriate examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD causes total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been granted. Effective dates prior to July 2, 2008, are established for the peripheral neuropathy of his upper and lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is not warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess his PTSD and cardiovascular disorder. The TDIU claim will also be deferred until these issues are resolved.

The Board has requested additional evidence to be obtained in order to determine the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The original claims file is being sought as it may contain STRs that were previously associated with the case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because the evidence did not establish a current diagnosis of PTSD based on credible and/or corroborated stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD and hypertension have been granted service connection, with the PTSD being related to fear of hostile military activity in the Persian Gulf War Theater of operations.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and thus denied his claim for service connection.