PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since December 3, 2008. Prior to that date, the Board finds that her symptoms have consistently approximated total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, finding that the Veteran's current headache symptoms are related to his in-service head injury. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including a VA mental status evaluation to determine if any of the diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD with major depression and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, and for consideration of the TDIU aspect of his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, and irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, and arthralgias are not fully developed. The case is being remanded to provide further development of evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet all criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and denied service connection for this condition. The claim for memory loss was also denied as it is considered part of his already service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent disability evaluation, which meets the criteria for reduced reliability and productivity in social functioning. The Veteran has not met the requirements for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including issuance of a Statement of the Case and VA examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent prior to August 11, 2010, and in excess of 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain missing medical records and for new VA examinations. The claims will be readjudicated based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for hospitalization and treatment at Manatee Memorial Hospital were reimbursed as the services were rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to health, and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100 percent disability rating effective February 6, 2004. Prior to this date, the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and examination to determine the current severity of his PTSD and its impact on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal for higher schedular evaluations for tinnitus and PTSD as well as a TDIU was denied. The maximum schedular rating of 10 percent for tinnitus has been assigned, which is the highest available under VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and medical inquiry due to new evidence indicating a current diagnosis of PTSD, but the claim remains denied as there is no direct service connection established.

The Board has granted entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, namely PTSD. The Veteran's consistent reports of experiences during his active service have been considered, and the Board finds that these experiences are sufficient to establish service connection.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a neck disability have been remanded due to the need to seek SSA records, provide corrective VCAA notice, and consider revised regulations regarding service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for service connection of a left knee disability and a higher initial disability evaluation for PTSD. The Board has dismissed the appeal as a result.