PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since April 3, 2007. The current symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional development of the claims is necessary due to unclear information in the Veteran's service records regarding his exposure to herbicides and possible foreign service. The appellant will be notified when further action on her part is required.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a TDIU is denied as the evidence does not show he was unemployable solely due to his service-connected PTSD prior to June 12, 2002.

The Veteran's PTSD causes significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher initial disability rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of relevant medical records.

Service connection for PTSD is granted effective January 28, 2008. Claims for a sleep disorder (insomnia) as secondary to PTSD and for bilateral shoulder disability are reopened. A claim for a left index finger disability is also reopened.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD due to personal assault and/or MST, finding new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claim. The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to an in-service physical and sexual assault.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to allow for additional examinations and development of the record. The case will be further processed after these actions have been completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a video conference hearing before a Board Member at his local RO in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective February 18, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher initial rating of 70 percent have been met since this date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are also being addressed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for PTSD, left knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. Specifically, efforts are required to corroborate the Veteran's reported in-service stressors for PTSD, obtain service personnel records for relevant individuals, and request any identified medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, and a left eye disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic PTSD is service-connected as it originated during his active military service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on moderate symptoms and occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50%, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Residuals of a traumatic brain injury have also been denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development due to insufficient reasoning in the previous decision regarding his TDIU claim. The case is now pending and will be reviewed again.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, and entitlement to an increased rating for service-connected right arm disability. The issues were remanded by the Board but not fully adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination to assess the current severity of his condition.