PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on his service-connected tinnitus, left ear hearing loss, PTSD, and lumbar spine disability claims has been denied. The maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent is assigned for each condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and did not have a neuropsychiatric disability related to his military service.

The Veteran is found to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly his PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and ensuring all notification requirements have been met.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's CAD and whether it was caused or chronically worsened by PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the New Orleans RO. The issue remains whether he should be granted service connection for his psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 6, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV.

The Veteran's skin condition of the feet (tinea pedis) is service-connected. His insomnia and fatigue due to PTSD are not separately service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, a skin disorder of the feet and ankles (including jungle rot), chloracne, dizziness, asthma, and residuals of a right ring finger injury have all been granted. The effective date is to be determined based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of service connection for bipolar disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than bipolar disorder are also being addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which has been granted. The Board found that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, right middle finger injury, and right wrist injury were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to not warrant a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings prior to and since September 15, 2008.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, diagnosed as depression and PTSD, are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran is found to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected PTSD and bilateral eye disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the VLJ who conducted his hearing no longer working at the Board. He will be given a new opportunity to testify before a Veterans Law Judge at the appropriate RO.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of total occupational impairment, but no more than moderate social impairment. The RO assigned a 50 percent rating for the period prior to October 3, 2007.

The Veteran's skin disorder was denied service connection, while the initial rating for PTSD was granted at 30 percent.