PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The issue of TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD and the etiology of his tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as there is no competent evidence showing the current disability is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional VA treatment records, as well as potential consideration of total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently suffer from PTSD and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The Veteran's depression, which he contends is secondary to his service-connected low back disability and right lumbosacral radiculopathy, also fails to meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is linked to a verified combat-related stressor (an in-service bomb explosion).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The claim for higher initial rating for low back strain was denied, but the Veteran received a compensable evaluation for osteomyelitis of the lumbar spine with septic arthritis and a noncompensable evaluation for residuals of fracture of the left ring finger. The issue of entitlement to TDIU remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder, is related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to June 5, 2007 is being remanded due to the need for clarification from Dr. D regarding her opinion on the Veteran's unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD in October 2000, finding that the Veteran did not currently have PTSD and that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor and his diagnosed psychiatric conditions. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

For the period prior to February 19, 2008, the impairment caused by the Veteran's PTSD symptoms with secondary major depression disorder more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a valid claim for accrued benefits as there was no pending claim at the time of her husband's death, and thus denied the claim.

For the period prior to February 21, 2008, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and panic attacks.,For the period beginning on May 1, 2008, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, panic attacks, near-continuous symptoms affecting the ability to function independently, appropriate, and effectively, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is granted as the evidence supports a finding that his current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's service connection for a respiratory disorder and PTSD have been granted. The Veteran was awarded an initial 70% disability evaluation for PTSD prior to December 13, 2009, but the appeal is mixed as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type 2, is granted as secondary to Agent Orange exposure. His bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are presumed due to in-service acoustic trauma. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is granted based on presumed combat experience.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that his claim for TDIU is warranted on a schedular basis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.