PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 29, 2007, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain in-patient hospitalization records from Womack Army Hospital, the 3rd Field Hospital in Vietnam, and the 106th General Hospital in Japan. Additionally, his treatment records from Dr. Heffelfinger, Dermatology, LTD., and other identified locations are also required.

The Veteran's widow is appealing the denial of service connection for the cause of his death. The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to have a VA examiner review the evidence to determine if the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, or other conditions caused or contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of a traumatic brain injury are proximately due to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder, and therefore grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found that it is not factually ascertainable from the evidence of record that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of service-connected disabilities prior to March 9, 2004. Therefore, an effective date earlier than March 9, 2004 for the award of TDIU benefits is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied as no prior, pending claim existed that could have resulted in a grant of this benefit.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the claims for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, and respiratory disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue, requiring further action by the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and arthritis need further development to ensure all relevant evidence is considered. The case will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further consideration, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the North Little Rock, Arkansas RO.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective December 8, 1999. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder, which caused or contributed to his death by suicide, warrants service connection for the cause of his death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent effective from August 7, 2009. The rating reflects moderate symptoms such as difficulty in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and to provide an updated examination for his PTSD. The issues of increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are part of the same claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in a severe impairment in his ability to obtain or retain employment, preventing him from obtaining gainful employment outside of protected environments. The VA assigned an initial evaluation of 30% for PTSD effective January 31, 1985.

The Board dismissed the appeal on the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for headaches due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim for PTSD remains denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was granted with a 20 percent initial rating. The Board also found that the criteria for a staged rating of 60 percent were met beginning December 11, 2007. However, his TDIU claim is not adjudicated as it has not been previously addressed.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD and found that new and material evidence had not been received. The issue of service connection for alcoholism, claimed as secondary to psychiatric disability, was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was granted a 70 percent rating effective March 18, 2011. Prior to that date, the Veteran received a 30 percent rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors were established and linked to his PTSD, granting service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.