PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, SSA records, and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the Veteran's claimed PTSD and any other acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evidentiary development due to the need for an updated VA examination of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 16, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to such symptoms as suicidal ideation; obsessional rituals which interfere with routine activities; speech intermittently illogical, obscure, or irrelevant; near-continuous depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; impaired impulse control; spatial disorientation; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances; and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. The Veteran's PTSD has not met the criteria for a higher initial rating of 70 percent prior to June 14, 2010 or any rating in excess of 70 percent from that date.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing at the RO due to the Veteran's request, and will not make any determination on the merits of the service connection claim until this is done.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since April 20, 2009. The Board finds that her symptoms warrant a higher rating to reflect moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for PTSD, but it is REMANDED to obtain additional information and evidence before a final decision can be made.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with associated depression, has resulted in total social and occupational impairment since April 6, 2007. The Board grants a 100 percent rating for the PTSD beginning on that date.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability records and VA treatment records. The case will be reviewed after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD with bipolar 2 disorder and hypomanic (previously evaluated as schizophrenia, unspecified), was granted effective from November 18, 2009. His claim for service connection for tinnitus was also granted effective from the same date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a direct link between his claimed conditions and his military service or exposure to herbicides. The nerve damage is attributed to chemotherapy, not the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. The effective dates for the awards of service connection for residuals of cold injuries to both the right and left foot remain unknown due to unresolved issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's psychiatric condition and its relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if his hypertension is related to service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and migraine headaches. The TDIU issue also needs to be addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 19, 2003. The Board denied an increased rating for PTSD in excess of the current 50 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's suicide was caused by his service-connected PTSD, which is considered a direct result of active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 15, 2010. Prior to that date, he was granted a TDIU effective December 15, 2010.,Effective December 15, 2010, the Veteran is entitled to an initial evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD and also qualifies for a TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is currently rated at 30 percent, effective November 22, 2006. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms include suicidal ideation, short-term memory problems, and serious social symptoms. The evidence does not show that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities.