PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board found that the cause of the Veteran's death, cardiorespiratory arrest due to sepsis and right lung pneumonia, was not caused or contributed substantially or materially by his service-connected PTSD. The VA medical reviewer concluded that the Veteran's death was more likely due to the acute new fulminant right entire lung pneumonia, which led respiratory failure, septic shock, and ultimately pulse less electrical activity and death.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is REMANDED for a VA psychiatric examination and further development.

The Veteran's PTSD and right shoulder muscle group IV injury have been granted increased ratings, with the PTSD receiving a 70% rating.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in symptoms such as depressed mood, sleep impairment, memory loss, and occasional panic attacks. The disability was rated at 10 percent prior to March 2, 2008, and from May 1, 2008 to June 8, 2008.

The Board found that the reduction of the disability evaluation for PTSD from 50 percent to 30 percent, effective February 1, 2008, was proper based on improvement in the Veteran's psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted. Additionally, the Veteran meets criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Board found that the appellant's character of discharge from service is not a bar to entitlement to VA compensation benefits, as his cocaine abuse during service was due to his in-service PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for PTSD, depressive disorder NOS, and generalized anxiety disorder. These conditions are found to be related to military sexual trauma experienced during active service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a traveling Member of the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent from November 21, 2005 and increased to 70 percent effective September 12, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD was a principal cause of his death, and therefore grants entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The effective dates for TDIU and DEA benefits were also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent prior to September 2009 and at 70 percent since then. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC for further action due to incomplete medical records and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity has been granted a 40 percent disability rating effective June 30, 2008. The left upper extremity is rated at 30 percent since that date.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation as they are consistent with the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and a hearing by videoconference.