PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's cause of death, metastatic esophageal carcinoma, was not caused or contributed to by his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds that the Veteran's GERD did not contribute to the development of his metastatic esophageal carcinoma.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD and right ankle strain were denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflected the severity of his disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as sleep impairment, nightmares, fatigue, irritability, isolation, feelings of guilt, depression, dysphoric mood, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, hypervigilance, mood instability, and poor concentration. These symptoms are indicative of no more than occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent since July 21, 2010, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for PTSD prior to July 9, 2009 was granted at 30 percent. From July 9, 2009, the evaluation remained at 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to the Veteran's character of discharge from his second period of service, which may affect his eligibility for VA benefits. The case will be further developed to determine if there were compelling circumstances for his AWOL and whether he was insane at the time.

The Veteran's PTSD and low back disability have been rated, with a TDIU granted. The effective date for the higher rating of PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and depressive disorder, NOS, are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated as 30 percent prior to March 27, 2010 and 50 percent from March 27, 2010 to December 6, 2010. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met at any time.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues regarding service connection and reopening of a foot condition claim are currently unknown.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's alcoholism, which was an attempt to self-medicate his service-connected PTSD, caused liver cirrhosis and led to the esophageal variceal bleed that resulted in his death. The Board finds this case falls under the 'aggravation' theory of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD was not manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. Therefore, the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD are not met.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and PTSD, finding no evidence of a pre-existing condition that was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a right knee disability, and a lumbar spine disability were partially granted. The claim for increased rating of the right sciatic nerve disability was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a disability rating of 50 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim due to the need for further development and examination, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 30 percent disabling.