PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete records and failed examinations. The Veteran is required to provide information about all treatment received, including VA treatment, since January 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and depression), as well as his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for coronary artery disease due to VA treatment.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD) is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was not granted a higher rating for PTSD, tinnitus, or hearing loss. Service connection was not established for COPD, peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, or degenerative changes in the right knee.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, mood disorder, dysthymic disorder, and depression and anxiety, are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and panic disorder with agoraphobia, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her medical records and consideration of an in-service personal assault stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD and left chest shrapnel wounds with muscle atrophy in MG III and left upper extremity limitation of motion have been granted increased ratings, with the highest rating (70%) for PTSD since May 10, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examination of her service-connected conditions. The issues on appeal include increased ratings for left shoulder bursitis, thoracolumbar spine, PTSD, and allergic sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current level of disability due to PTSD and updated treatment records. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for treatment at Foote Memorial Hospital from May 12, 2008 to May 14, 2008 were denied because he refused transfer to a VA facility when arrangements were made and reasonable attempts were documented.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for a hearing, which was subsequently cancelled. The issue of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) disability for the period from May 28, 2008 to June 14, 2011, and an evaluation in excess of 70 percent beginning August 1, 2011 has been withdrawn.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence, including a January 2011 VA medical letter. The Board also found that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service in Vietnam, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's initial PTSD rating was granted at a 30 percent level prior to November 22, 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the minimum percentage for a non-compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. The evidence shows symptoms consistent with moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by irritability, nightmares and insomnia; obsessional rituals, impaired impulse control, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, spatial disorientation, illogical or obscure speech, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, and an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. However, these symptoms do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD and major depressive disorder are incurred in, or caused by, his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to January 17, 2012. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's death was caused by squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, which is not service-connected. His PTSD did not cause or contribute to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's disability manifested by PTSD is not due to disease or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by active service or any period of ACDUTRA.,The Veteran does not have a sinus or respiratory disability due to disease or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by active service or any period of ACDUTRA.,The Veteran does not have a disability manifested by a scalp rash due to disease or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by active service or any period of ACDUTRA.,The Veteran's disability manifested by acid reflux disease is not due to disease or injury that was incurred in or aggravated by active service or any period of ACDUTRA.