PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's current service-connected disabilities include posttraumatic stress disorder, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right carpal tunnel syndrome. The combined disability rating is 70 percent, which meets percentage requirements for a total disability rating on a schedular basis. However, the VA examiner did not provide an opinion regarding the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of expanded issues.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD related to in-service sexual trauma, which has been corroborated by credible supporting evidence. The Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection for a skin rash, to include as secondary to herbicide exposure, and an increased rating for PTSD. The Board does not have jurisdiction to consider these matters.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further action due to a hearing request, and the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is being reopened based on new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on December 18, 2008 due to a lack of evidence showing an emergent situation or that VA facilities were unavailable.

The Veteran's claims of PTSD and personality disorder are remanded for additional development, including scheduling a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective October 2, 2006. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD, as the existing evidence does not adequately support the decision regarding an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to inadequate medical examination and consideration of the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors and no valid diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since February 1, 2010, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a DRO hearing and potential videoconference hearing. The issues of reopening claims for PTSD, headaches, and medial meniscus tear, left knee are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right knee injury with osteoarthritis, and left knee arthritis with meniscal disease, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder and depressed mood was found to have caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30 percent evaluation from February 17, 2007 until March 4, 2008. After March 4, 2008, the Veteran's condition did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and right elbow degenerative joint disease have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of January 3, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD prior to June 1, 2006 was granted and he is now rated at 70 percent effective from that date.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with features of PTSD and claustrophobia is found to be as likely as not attributable to traumatic events during his military service, warranting the grant of service connection.