PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete SSA records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent for the period beginning November 14, 2007. The right shoulder disability has been granted an effective date of July 16, 1998.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development, including obtaining confirmation of specific stressors in service and conducting a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's low back disorder, right thumb disorder, degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, and headaches are found to be related to service. The psychiatric disorder (inclusive of PTSD) is also granted as it is considered a direct result of service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and his statements as to continuity of symptomatology were deemed not credible. The VA examiners indicated that the Veteran's reported stressor was unconfirmed, inconsistent with service records, and insufficient to meet the diagnostic criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50% since March 4, 2005. His gastrointestinal disorder has been granted as incurred in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying claimed stressors and obtaining a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, HIV, and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus have been denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his tinnitus as it is already at the maximum schedular evaluation. Service connection has been granted for PTSD and HIV based on new evidence that was submitted after the original claims were denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was withdrawn. The VA awarded a compensable (10%) rating for his left thigh scar, which is painful but does not exceed 12 square inches or cause any limitation of function.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to her inservice personal harassment and childhood abuse, and she was not provided with adequate medical treatment for her injuries. As a result, service connection for PTSD due to inservice personal harassment is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted, as her stressors are supported by credible supporting evidence. The claim for an increased rating for hidradenitis suppurativa remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and verification of stressors. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, major depression, and adjustment disorder will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and medical records from various providers. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA mental disorders examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death due to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) related to presumed in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and records, as well as further development of his claim.

The Veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected adjustment disorder, which he claims as post-traumatic stress disorder. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new psychiatric examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his military service and whether he experienced a personal assault during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU were denied. The right first metatarsophalangeal joint disability was rated at 20 percent, while the PTSD was rated at 50 percent. There is no indication of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to clarify the nature of his psychiatric disability and determine its relationship to service.