PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a heart disability, deep vein thrombosis of the left leg, pulmonary embolism, and residuals of cold weather injuries to both upper and lower extremities, were denied. The Board found no evidence linking these disabilities to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected PTSD, and he is granted a 70% disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder as secondary to the Veteran's in-service stressor of witnessing a fellow sailor die due to a skull fracture. The claimant is not entitled to service connection for his neck disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and shrapnel wounds) represent an 80 percent disability rating. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU are met due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of March 18, 2005 for the award of a TDIU due to his service-connected PTSD. The earlier effective date is not warranted as there was no evidence showing he was unemployable solely due to his PTSD prior to this date.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for PTSD and right/left knee disorders, but further development is needed to determine if service connection can be established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder not otherwise specified is related to his perception of service-related radiation exposure causing birth defects in his family, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the initial grant of service connection, reflecting moderate symptoms and impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's dysthymia and PTSD are etiologically related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since January 28, 2004. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.

The Board finds against the claims for service connection for a disability of both knees and legs, as well as PTSD. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric disorders is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions, verification of a claimed stressor, and consideration of prior diagnoses.

The Veteran's right (major) hand shrapnel fragment wound residuals have been manifested by no more than incomplete, moderate symptoms. The claim for an increased disability evaluation is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. However, it determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to substantiate his claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a comprehensive VA mental disorders examination and opinion. The issues of service connection for PTSD and anxiety with depression are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and PTSD, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are causally related to his service, including a verified stressor of experiencing a mortar attack in Vietnam. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development of the record is necessary before the issue on appeal may be decided on the merits.