PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD with sleep impairment and grinding of the teeth was dismissed due to lack of a timely Substantive Appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied, as the July 2000 rating decision granting service connection was final. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for an adequate opinion regarding his employability based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's PTSD and to verify his in-service stressors. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to conflicting statements regarding a hearing request and the need to obtain SSA disability benefits records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations to assess his conditions.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues related to his PTSD disability rating. The first issue is about a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD prior to April 28, 2010, and the second is about a 70 percent evaluation since that date. The decision on these issues will determine if the Veteran receives a higher initial disability evaluation.

The case is REMANDED for a Board hearing and further development. The Veteran will be scheduled for a hearing either at the local RO or via video conference, whichever they prefer.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected disabilities, and therefore the claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected PTSD was granted, and he is currently assigned a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent from December 4, 2004 to August 19, 2008.,For the period after August 20, 2008, a rating in excess of 10 percent for her chest keloid scar is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, with the diagnosis based on his reported experiences in Vietnam and the resulting psychological impact.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was denied as he does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's alcoholism is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for alcoholism as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is rated at 50 percent effective July 12, 2003. His cervical spine DDD is rated at 30 percent, effective July 12, 2003. His lumbar spine DDD is rated at 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current nature, extent and severity of his PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU as part of the PTSD rating claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is found to be service-connected, while his PTSD and alcohol abuse are not.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's fear of hostile military activity during his service in Vietnam is sufficient to support a diagnosis and link between his symptoms and stressor.