PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

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

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for an increased evaluation of his service-connected PTSD and the propriety of reducing his rating from 100% to 30%. Additionally, he is seeking TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Further development is needed, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for PTSD with an initial rating of 50 percent from March 2008 is granted. The issue of a higher initial rating for PTSD is withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and an anxiety disorder, needs additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination. The issue will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that her symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD related to the Veteran's in-service sexual assault. The issues of service connection for lumbar strain and right leg disorder are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's seven service connected disabilities meet the schedular requirements for consideration of a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a), and his combined rating is currently at 80 percent, effective from September 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling, but the evidence does not show that his symptoms more closely approximate the criteria for a higher rating. His gastrointestinal disorder, fungus of both feet, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA psychiatric examination and reviewing all relevant records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will be considered again after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling, with occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board found that the service-connected PTSD did not cause or contribute to the Veteran's death, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD is not service-connected due to willful misconduct in committing an assault, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The issue of nonservice-connected pension benefits was remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional records, provide a VA examination for all claimed conditions, and determine the nature and etiology of each condition.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder and found that he has PTSD as related to his in-service stressors. Service connection is also granted for ischemic heart disease, presumed due to herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, psychotic disorder not otherwise specified, and posttraumatic stress disorder, is now pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, and will now reconsider the merits of the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of his service-connected disabilities, and therefore denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.