PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of April 29, 2004. The Board found that the evidence regarding the Navy Achievement Medal with a combat 'V' device should have been obtained by the RO when the Veteran provided evidence he had received this medal.

The Board found no current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's toe fungus was not related to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam and thus denied service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need to obtain additional records from SSA and workman's compensation, including a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for major depression and PTSD, but further development is needed to determine if her current diagnoses are related to her military service.

The Veteran's PTSD caused significant impairment in social relationships and occupational functioning from September 19, 2007 to June 15, 2010. From June 16, 2010 to the present, his PTSD has resulted in severe symptoms including suicidal ideations, paranoia, anxiety, avoidance of certain activities, feelings of isolation and detachment, hypervigilance, as well as sleep disturbances.

The case is being remanded due to scheduling issues and the Veteran's request for additional evidence. The appeal will be handled by the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD with chronic alcohol abuse is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his case.

The Veteran's memory loss is found to be etiologically related to his service-connected PTSD, and he is granted service connection for this condition. His initial rating for PTSD with depressive disorder and anxiety remains at 30 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder disability, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The case is also remanded to determine the impact of his service-connected low back disability on employment and to adjudicate his TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment, thus granting a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as his acquired psychiatric disability (Major Depressive Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder), were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since November 15, 2012. The rating was granted as the symptoms meet the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed psychiatric disorder, cholesteatoma left mastoid, skin condition (chloracne), headaches, heart condition, sinus condition, right hand condition, or left foot condition that manifested during or was caused by his military service. The claim for the residuals of a right foot fracture has also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total disability rating due to hospitalization in excess of 21 days for service-connected PTSD was denied as there is no indication that he received such treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the applicable criteria. The Board also found that the Veteran met the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD and CAD have been granted initial ratings, with PTSD receiving a 70% rating. The TDIU claim has also been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, chronic migraines, and coronary artery disease, render him unemployable without regard to age or non-service-connected disorders. The Board grants a TDIU based on the evidence showing that his service-connected conditions prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's tonsilar squamous cell cancer is service-connected due to herbicide exposure. Major depressive disorder and PTSD are also service-connected, with the latter being related to a verified in-service combat stressor. The temporary total disability evaluation for surgical treatment of tonsilar squamous cell cancer is denied as no period of convalescence prior to November 3, 2008 existed.