PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA treatment records from June to September 2002. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus are on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA psychiatric examination and providing her with VCAA notification regarding her contentions of personal sexual assault during service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD was granted, with a disability evaluation of 50 percent effective as of February 10, 1993. The Board also denied entitlement to a disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent prior to March 12, 2004.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 100%, meeting the percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, the weight of medical opinion and other evidence indicates that his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective April 7, 2011. Prior to this date, the disability was rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD, which is considered a presumptive condition due to his in-service combat experience. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's Major Depressive Disorder and PTSD are being remanded for further development to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions, as well as VA compensation examinations to assess the current severity of his left shoulder disability. The Veteran is also requested to provide any outstanding private treatment records from Drs. Poon, Goldberg, Shureman, and Holovacs.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 5, 2008. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service. The diagnosis of PTSD is not established.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a more contemporaneous examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD, and for development regarding his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified, was manifested by depression, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, insomnia, panic attacks, some crying spells, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response, hallucinations, decreased energy, decreased interest, mood swings, anger and agitation, social isolation, and impaired memory. The Board found that the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation have been met.

The Veteran's claim for higher special monthly compensation is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination to determine if he requires aid and attendance.

The Board has granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD, which renders moot the appeal for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and ensure all due process requirements are met. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Depression is being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The appeal is not yet decided on its merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his combat experiences during service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and a more contemporaneous VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, PTSD, and a left knee disorder due to issues regarding evidence corroborating the Veteran's claimed stressors in Vietnam. The petitions to reopen the claims for skin disorder and calluses on the feet are also being remanded to obtain VA medical records from specific facilities.