PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings for PTSD, right shoulder joint disability, and scarring disabilities. The current evaluations are considered adequate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and paranoid-type schizophrenia, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and an examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's vertigo was incurred during service due to noise exposure, but denied his PTSD claim as there was no credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is dismissed as the issue was fully addressed by an earlier Board decision.,Criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for the right neck scar have not been met.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify in-service stressors and obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of his PTSD and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since July 21, 2011. The appeal for a higher initial evaluation remains before the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis disability is found to be the cause of his current bladder, prostate, pancreas, skin and stomach disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be due to fear of hostile military activity during service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70 percent disability rating. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol dependence has been rated at 70 percent since March 2, 2007. This rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as poor hygiene, anxiety, depression, memory loss, suicidal thoughts, and sleep disturbance.

The Veteran's tension/migraine headaches are manifested by characteristic prostrating attacks occurring one to two times per month, warranting a 30 percent rating. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are related to his active military service. The evidence supports a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development, including obtaining additional VA medical records and a psychiatric examination to determine if his PTSD is related to service. The Veteran claims he experienced fear of hostile military activity during his tour in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is due to a verified in-service personal assault stressor, and he currently has chronic sleep impairment as a symptom of his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a separate sleep disorder or sexual dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate is denied as he did not meet the criteria for SMC prior to April 5, 2002.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since December 15, 2005. His patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim on appeal.