PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn by his attorney, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities are currently rated based on their direct effects without any additional service connection or presumption.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, as there is credible medical evidence diagnosing him with PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV, supporting evidence that certain claimed in-service stressors occurred, and medical evidence linking his symptoms to those stressors. As a result, the claim for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, effective January 18, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination records and development of his claim, including a new PTSD evaluation and consideration of TDIU.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain relevant medical records and to provide the appellant with a VA opinion regarding whether her husband's service-connected PTSD or ulcers were a principal or contributory cause of his death.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and unit history reports. The Veteran's claim of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder will be adjudicated again after the development is completed.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to new and material evidence. However, additional development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn as to his right knee disorder, left knee disorder, hearing loss, multiple arthralgias (joint pain), and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD with depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for PTSD is pending. The RO has obtained VA medical records from the Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center, but not from the St. Louis Vet Center. The case must be remanded to attempt to obtain these records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of symptoms including depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, chronic sleep impairment, mild memory loss, and occasional but not frequent panic attacks. The Board finds that the criteria for a 30 percent rating have been more nearly approximated throughout the entire initial rating period on appeal.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disability, including PTSD, during service and concluded that the Veteran did not experience continuous symptoms following separation. Therefore, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, and social isolation, resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas from July 30, 2007 to October 5, 2009. The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from SSA and VA medical centers.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to verifying temporary duty at Takhli Air Force Base, Thailand and obtaining treatment records. The Veteran's claim for PTSD will be reviewed under the current provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f)(3).

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and he did not have a permanent and total service-connected disability at the time of his death. The appellant is therefore not eligible for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent disability rating from November 21, 2003.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the Veteran's PTSD, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and whether his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.