PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's death was caused by suicide, with his service-connected major depression being a significant contributing factor. The Board finds that the cause of death is related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD caused total occupational and social impairment from January 28, 2008 to August 4, 2010, warranting a 100 percent disability rating during this period.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, depression, and an eating disorder, are related to service. The case is therefore REMANDED for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, was dismissed due to abandonment of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound has been denied. The case is being remanded to obtain clarification of the role played by his service-connected PTSD in his confusion, which may affect his eligibility for SMC.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected right wrist disability. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining unit records and histories, as well as a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorder present. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and securing an opinion on the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his death.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no jurisdiction remains for adjudicating the merits of the claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and HIV/AIDS. However, it is not established that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel board hearing. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of the Veteran's treatment and examining him to determine if he currently has PTSD or asthma. The appeal will be returned to the Board after this is completed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and adjudication of his TDIU claim, including consideration of the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with depression and alcohol abuse was denied, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders, hearing loss, and tinnitus, and determining if the Veteran is in receipt of SSA disability benefits.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to establish the occurrence of a recognized in-service stressor for PTSD, and to determine if the Veteran's current PTSD is related to such a stressor. The case is therefore REMANDED.