PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran is seeking service connection for PTSD and depression, which he claims are related to his military service. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has rendered him unable to find and maintain substantially gainful employment, leading the Board to grant a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling an in-person hearing at the RO. The issues include service connection for PTSD, and rating claims for radiculopathy of both lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, has been denied as he does not have this condition. His current diagnosis is alcohol abuse, which is unrelated to his military service and thus cannot be service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected scar, residual of first and second degree burns, left abdominal was denied. The Board found that the current 10 percent disability rating adequately reflects the severity of the condition.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further adjudication due to a need for new VA psychiatric examination and updated VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an eye disability, finding no evidence of a current disability or a link between any in-service stressors and his symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be predominantly manifested by symptoms such as nightmares, anger, anxiety, mild memory loss, impaired concentration, depression, sleep impairment, psychomotor abnormalities, fatigue, intrusive thoughts, an abnormal mood, an abnormal affect, feeling detached, episodes of depersonalization, a heightened startle reflex, hypervigilance, and symptoms which resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and adjustment disorder with somnambulance were initially granted in December 2003, but the effective date was set at November 8, 2003. The Veteran appealed for a higher rating and an earlier effective date. The Board found that the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent prior to July 1, 2004 were not met, while finding that from July 1, 2004, the criteria for a disability rating of 100 percent were met.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 50 percent, effective October 29, 2007. A subsequent July 2012 rating decision denied a higher rating for PTSD, effective April 20, 2011.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a final decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining relevant medical records. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent for his service-connected PTSD is on appeal.

The Board found no evidence of a diagnosed psychiatric disability of PTSD and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder are currently rated at 30 percent, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a neck disability, and hypertension as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims. The Board also found that there is no medical evidence linking these disabilities to active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was granted, and his PTSD rating was increased to 100% effective October 7, 2010. His patellofemoral syndrome with chondromalacia of the right knee remains at a 10% rating.