PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no credible supporting evidence to corroborate his claimed in-service stressors and that he did not engage in combat with the enemy. The diagnosis of PTSD was based on a Vet Center therapist's assessment, but this diagnosis is not considered valid due to the lack of clear and convincing evidence showing the Veteran served in Korea during the Korean War.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 80 percent, and his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) results in a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The RO has granted these claims.

The Board granted an increased rating of 50 percent for the service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features (now diagnosed as pain disorder and PTSD) beginning on May 27, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression associated with adenocarcinoma of the prostate is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, and his higher initial rating claim for peptic ulcer disease due to additional development being required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, with the diagnosis based on in-service stressors related to sexual assault and witnessing another individual being sexually assaulted.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 70 percent disabling from November 3, 2010. The appeal for an increased evaluation remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants a TDIU.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an increased rating for PTSD, and the Board is dismissing the appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is related to his service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable, as his TDIU claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and ensuring proper notification to the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current anxiety disorder and PTSD are related to his service, resulting in a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional medical opinions regarding his service connection claim for headaches, and for a determination on TDIU. The case will be referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension for an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and depression, is not attributable to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating. The Veteran also meets the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for Epstein-Barr virus and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and an anxiety disorder. As a result, the claims are dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen his claims for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction was dismissed due to the Veteran's representative withdrawing the appeal of the PTSD claim.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD and substance abuse disorder.,The issue of entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as the cause of death has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% prior to November 21, 2008. The rating for PTSD was later increased to 100%. The gastroesophageal reflux disease claim remains pending.