PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be productive of total disability, warranting a 100 percent rating. The initial evaluation for PTSD prior to August 9, 2010, was granted at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for service connection for PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional evidence and a VA psychiatric examination to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for his psychiatric disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest possible benefit (100%) throughout the period of this claim, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in both categories, resulting in the dismissal of these issues.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss was noted at entry into service and is presumed to have existed prior to service. It was not aggravated by military service.,Left ear hearing loss was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred in service.,Seizure disorder was not diagnosed during the appeal period.,PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and is not considered a compensable disability for VA purposes.,Tinnitus was not related to service. Lung disability, including granulomatous disease and bilateral pulmonary nodules, was also not related to service and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.,Thoracolumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's PTSD and acquired psychiatric disorder are related to service, including any in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right ear hearing loss, as defined by VA standards. Therefore, service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from April 24, 2001 to November 13, 2001 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The effective date for the TDIU award is set as November 14, 2001.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal of the issue of entitlement to an increased initial rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further evaluation of his medical history.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not warrant a 70 percent disability rating prior to July 27, 2007.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The examiner must consider the credibility of any alleged stressor events in service and determine if they are corroborated by evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, prostate cancer residuals, tinnitus, right knee strain, and hearing loss, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

From March 11, 2008 to February 17, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.,Since February 18, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD has met the criteria for a 70% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and has granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his left ear hearing loss and PTSD claims was granted, with the PTSD claim receiving a 50% evaluation effective from January 30, 2009 to March 12, 2009. The right ear hearing loss and tinnitus claims are not addressed in this decision.