PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at the 30 percent disability level prior to November 30, 2010; at the 50 percent disability level prior to February 1, 2012; and at the 70 percent disability level from February 1, 2012. The Veteran's claim for higher evaluations is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a complete SSA disability benefits file and scheduling another VA examination if necessary.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the Veteran did not submit a valid claim prior to June 30, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD has been withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant personnel records and verifying stressor incidents. The Veteran's claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's current PTSD and his military service, including any in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and nonservice-connected pension benefits remain on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for psychiatric or psychological disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder. The claim was based on a direct relationship between the current disabilities and service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional evidence and conduct an examination for PTSD, as the Veteran's claimed stressors have not been verified. The case will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, the highest rating available for this condition, based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD that began in service or is related to his service. However, the Veteran's depression is found to be secondary to his service-connected left arm disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining buddy statements and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently found acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on employment. The TDIU claim will also be evaluated in light of the new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, was not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD related to in-service stressors.

PTSD rating prior to November 19, 2010 was denied as the disability picture did not meet criteria for a higher rating.,PTSD rating from November 19, 2010 was granted at 70 percent effective date.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted service connection based on in-service combat exposure. Service connection was also granted for diabetes mellitus type II due to herbicide exposure, but not for other conditions as they were not diagnosed or related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability found, including PTSD. The Veteran is also to be provided with an opinion regarding whether his current acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 5, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms of his PTSD do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's hypertension claim is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination. The issues of PTSD rating and service connection for lumbar fusion are also being remanded.