PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, as he was not rated totally disabled due to service-connected disabilities for at least 10 continuous years immediately preceding his death. The claim for accrued benefits based on pending claims to reopen previously denied claims for service connection for any back condition and heart disease has also been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to November 19, 2008, resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to her in-service stressors. The decision is based on direct service connection due to the presence of a diagnosed condition (PTSD) and an established link between symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Board has denied service connection for a low back disability, an acquired respiratory disability (blastomycosis), and an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease that could lead to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no confirmed diagnosis of PTSD related to his in-service stressor. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code is denied because the appellant reached her 26th birthday before the effective date of the permanent total service-connected disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Dysthymia, finding that the Veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for these diagnoses based on credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating for this disability. The VA examiner found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating, effective February 19, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The TDIU claim will be deferred until these other claims are addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent effective April 11, 2006 and later increased to 100 percent effective July 5, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD and mood disorder are found to be incurred in, or caused by, his military service due to a personal assault during active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent since July 24, 2006, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, to include depression with anxiety. The low back disability issue is remanded.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to incomplete records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD will be considered in determining his employability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, was denied as there is no credible evidence of a verified in-service stressor or diagnosis of any other acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and degenerative joint disease of the left ankle, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, render him unemployable due to his mental health conditions. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether these disabilities prevent the Veteran from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the evidence, including obtaining updated medical records and addressing issues related to service connection and increased ratings.