PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at a 70 percent disability rating since the period prior to April 25, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as he does not meet the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The Board found that his symptoms did not conform to the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is not related to his active military service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated as 30 percent disabling prior to October 17, 2008 and as 50 percent disabling thereafter. The Board granted a higher rating of 50 percent for the period from October 17, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to November 8, 2010 and denied for a higher rating. Subsequent to November 8, 2010, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent but still denied for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including TBI and PTSD, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His TDIU rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting medical examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD with an associated substance abuse disorder and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's account of exposure to traumatic in-service stressors is credible. The Board also found no evidence of a pre-existing psychiatric condition aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, Mood Disorder, Depressive Disorder NOS, and Psychosis are directly related to his service due to in-service stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, hypertension, migraines, a heart disorder, asthma, and bilateral lung disorder. The issues were remanded multiple times but ultimately remained denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a TDIU based on this.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 50 percent rating from April 7, 2010 through October 2, 2011. The hearing loss claim is not currently supported by evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 25, 2005. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims, including verifying his claimed stressors and obtaining a VA examination for both PTSD and hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a more contemporaneous examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and for adjudication of the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim of entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional information regarding his in-service stressors and to ensure all relevant records are associated with the claims file. The case will be reviewed by the RO/AMC on the basis of this additional evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder and PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service, particularly combat exposure in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining additional medical records. The appellant's claim for higher rating of PTSD and TDIU will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to March 31, 2009 is denied.