PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inconsistencies in the degree of social and occupational impairment, as well as incomplete VA treatment records. The case will be reviewed for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, SSA records, and any other relevant medical records. The case will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression and anxiety (for accrued benefits purposes) were denied. However, service connection was granted for schizophrenia (for accrued benefits purposes).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, due to military sexual trauma is being remanded for further development and examination.

The Veteran's claim for payment of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, New York from December 22 to December 24, 2008 is denied as VA facilities were feasibly available and the Veteran was stable for transfer.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depression, are not service-connected as there is no evidence of an in-service stressor that could support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for PTSD has been withdrawn by his authorized representative.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus) do not render him unemployable. The Board finds no basis to grant a TDIU.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD. The status of the PTSD claim is pending as further evaluation and evidence are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD substantially or materially contributed to his death from respiratory failure due to COPD. The Board finds that service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death must be granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection based on in-service combat stressors. The right upper arm SFW residuals were rated at 30 percent, with a separate 10 percent rating for the scar.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim should be remanded for further development, including securing Vet Center treatment records and a psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was characterized by subjective complaints of anxiety, nightmares, sleep impairment, avoidance of crowds, and objective findings of despondent mood, anxiety, hypervigilance, depression, and use of medication. The Board found that the criteria for a 30 percent initial evaluation were met prior to May 5, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including examinations and obtaining medical records. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are part of the same claim.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, back disability, and left knee disability were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating, which does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted, and an initial rating of 30 percent was assigned.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the Veteran's claim can be decided. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination for PTSD and all outstanding, pertinent treatment records must be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since April 2010, effective January 16, 2009. The Board found that the disability picture prior to this rating was consistent with a 50 percent evaluation.