PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining stressor dates for PTSD and seeking VA examinations for his back disorders.

The Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disability have been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD related to his combat service in Vietnam, and there is medical evidence linking his current symptoms to this stressor event. For his bilateral hearing loss, the Board finds conflicting opinions but leans towards finding it likely related to noise exposure during service. For low back disability, additional records are needed as the Veteran's post-service treatment history is unclear.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the highest schedular rating available for this condition. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's PTSD, rated as 70 percent disabling, makes it impossible for him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 19, 2009 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is granted. The effective date is set at May 16, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated at a 50 percent rating from May 11, 2005 to July 19, 2006. The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for the period prior to June 6, 2010.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 2000, effective August 4, 2009. The Board also granted TDIU benefits prior to August 4, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues regarding his PTSD rating: one for a period from June 25, 2004 to June 1, 2006 and another from June 2, 2006 through March 31, 2010. The RO has granted service connection but the Veteran is seeking higher ratings within these periods.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent prior to April 9, 2007. The evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The appellant's claim is now before the Board again.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and thus, service connection cannot be granted for this condition.

The Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is found to be causally related to his service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by significant impairment in work and social functioning, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to inadequate VA examination and incomplete medical records. The case will be reviewed again after obtaining necessary information.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a diagnosed psychiatric disability, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, is granted as the evidence supports a finding of direct service connection based on his combat experience.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran has any current psychiatric disorders related to service. The issue of cerebral vascular accident (stroke) secondary to ischemic heart disease is also inextricably intertwined with the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the requirements for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to reschedule a Travel Board Hearing due to his failure to appear for the previously scheduled hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lay accounts of experiencing military sexual trauma during service are credible, and two different VA psychologists have provided diagnoses of PTSD as a result of an in-service stressor involving military sexual trauma. Therefore, service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD based on military sexual trauma is granted.