PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, elevated liver enzymes, and blood in the stool were denied. The claim for hemorrhoids was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU were denied. The effective date for the grant of PTSD was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of various conditions, including a lumbar spine disability, PTSD, hypertension, tension headaches, and reactive airway disease. The appeals were based on the Veteran's reported symptoms and medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased initial rating for PTSD was dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 80 percent, which meets the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU. However, the weight of medical evidence indicates that these disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's sexual dysfunction is found to be proximately due to or the result of service-connected disability. The Board also finds that he has TBI with adjustment disorder, PTSD with depression, and posttraumatic headaches, all of which are rated at their maximum levels under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and there is no evidence of a psychiatric disability other than PTSD related to service. The claim for service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service combat experiences and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was denied as the evidence does not show he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by chronic and severe occupational and social impairment with intermittent but regular periods of increased depression and instability, including suicidal ideation, productive of total occupational and social impairment. The Board grants a 100 percent disability rating for service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD has been granted based on new evidence related to his in-service stressors. His sinus/respiratory disorder remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death due to scuba diving, which was an attempt to manage his PTSD symptoms. The Board grants service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, body rash, insomnia, and a left shoulder disorder. The claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 24, 2001. Since October 12, 2005, the rating for PTSD has increased to 70 percent. The Board also found that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to January 24, 2011 and increased to 70 percent thereafter.