PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, conduct a VA examination, and determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent and increased to 50 percent effective February 20, 2009.,Since November 5, 2007, the Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of stressors and a VA examination to determine if PTSD is due to service. The claim will be reconsidered after these steps.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such a condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO/AMC for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and considering whether he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and lymphoma for accrued benefits purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was caused by his in-service stressors, which are consistent with his military service and supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, rated at 70 percent disabling since November 4, 2008, does not meet the criteria for a TDIU as it is not shown to prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes mellitus, type 2, peripheral neuropathy, and a skin condition to include as secondary to exposure to herbicides due to incomplete development. The Veteran's attorney submitted additional evidence that was not initially considered by the RO.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for posttraumatic stress disorder was granted, with an effective date of November 1999. The case is now pending on remand to determine if service connection should be established for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to May 27, 2010 and later increased to 50 percent thereafter. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant higher ratings.

For the period from January 15, 2004 to February 19, 2008, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent.,From February 20, 2008 to February 27, 2012, his PTSD warranted a 50 percent rating due to increased symptoms and social impairment.,Beginning February 28, 2012, the Veteran's PTSD did not meet criteria for an increase in evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault and grants service connection for PTSD.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The issue of TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a higher rating for brain disease due to trauma with headaches and dizziness is granted. The claim for PTSD is also granted.