PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need for new VA examinations and additional evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, increased ratings for his degenerative lumbar spine disease and knee conditions, and an initial compensable evaluation for his mood disorder. The claim for a TDIU effective date prior to June 17, 2009 was also addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD with major depression was granted at a 30 percent evaluation effective December 13, 1994. The claim for an earlier effective date and higher initial rating remains pending.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence without initial consideration by the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 30 percent disabling since June 30, 2008. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxiety reaction resulted in occupational and social impairment, warranting a 50 percent disability rating since July 25, 2001.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for a VA specialist examination and opinion regarding whether hypertension is secondary to or aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, and/or PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is manifested by occupational and social impairment, resulting in deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board finds that the criteria for a 70 percent rating are met.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review this matter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining medical records.

The Board found no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder and his military service, including an in-service head injury. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with depression, difficulty sleeping, intrusive thoughts, irritability, and isolative behavior. However, the evidence does not show that he is unable to engage in substantially gainful employment solely as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining National Guard service treatment records and providing a supplemental opinion regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability claims.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD was incurred in or aggravated by his military service, granting the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of the claims as he is no longer alive.

The VA denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of a diagnosis meeting DSM-IV criteria and conflicting medical evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety is characterized by mild symptoms that do not significantly impair his occupational or social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD was not productive of an occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood prior to November 10, 2007.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claim for TMJ dysfunction is also denied.