PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and VA outpatient treatment records. A VA examination will also be scheduled to determine if her claimed PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's lung disorder is reopened and service connection is granted. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50%.

The Veteran's initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent, reflecting the primary manifestations of depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to result in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and other disabilities, finding that his mental health conditions make it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, which was previously denied in July 1995. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service stressors are consistent with his service in a location involving exposure to 'hostile military or terrorist activity,' raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding treatment records.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD due to a personal assault during service, and also found that the Veteran's other psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of a current hearing loss disability related to service and denied the Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss. For PTSD, the Board concluded there was insufficient evidence linking any diagnosed condition to in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing before a Decision Review Officer and determining if the Veteran still desires a Board hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50 percent since April 20, 2006. The rating is granted as the Veteran's symptomatology approximates the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the criteria. The shell fragment wound scar to the left temporoparietal area does not meet the compensable criteria.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the scope of the appeal includes service connection for any psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and bipolar disorder. Further development is needed to obtain missing records and arrange for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active duty service as a firefighter and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with associated major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence is currently manifested by some occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD disability rating was increased from 10 percent to 50 percent effective October 22, 2010. However, the issue remains in appellate status as a higher schedular rating is available.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been rated at 70 percent since December 21, 2010. Prior to that date, the rating was increased from 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board hearing at the local RO. The issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and sleeplessness, remains pending.

The Board has determined that the appellant's character of discharge from service is not a bar to VA benefits, and therefore grants his appeal seeking to establish this point.