PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran is entitled to an effective date of March 30, 2009 for a 70 percent rating for PTSD as this condition was already service-connected and rated at that time.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to tend to the basic functions of self-care without regular assistance from another person and he is in need of aid and attendance.

The Board found no credible evidence linking the Veteran's current spine and hip disabilities to her service, or any reported fall injury during service. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's psychiatric disability and ulcerative colitis, as well as to address whether new evidence has been submitted sufficient to reopen his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Veteran is granted an initial evaluation of 50 percent for PTSD prior to January 26, 2007.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus due to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Korea. Service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and adjustment disorder, is also granted based on the presumption of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date earlier than October 13, 2006, for the award of service connection and compensation for PTSD has been withdrawn. The Board dismissed this issue as a result.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by depression, social avoidance, intrusive memories, nightmares, a past history of suicide attempts with no current suicidal ideation, impaired memory, and trouble sleeping. The criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining psychiatric records and a VA opinion regarding whether service-connected conditions or medications contributed to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on a verified in-service stressor involving fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as it is not attributable to service.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot and ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not attributable to documented in-service injuries. The claims for heart disability and psychiatric disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his TDIU, finding that there was no factual basis to support a retroactive assignment of benefits.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD secondary to sexual assault. The claim is granted as the evidence supports a link between the Veteran's current symptoms and his in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his current diagnoses are related to his military service. The Veteran must also provide additional information about his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in a demonstrable inability to obtain or retain employment, warranting a total evaluation for the period from September 27, 1976 to September 9, 1992.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder, claimed as the residuals of a ruptured right Achilles tendon, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development and consideration of his claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and a depressive disorder, and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's tinnitus, depressive disorder with anxiety, and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and/or an anxiety disorder) are all found to be related to service. The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 20 percent.