PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA clinical records and a VA psychiatric examination. The appellant's claim of entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is also in appellate status.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining in-service mental health treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of any psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and therefore denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective March 26, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional verification of stressors and a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective June 10, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms associated with PTSD more nearly approximate the criteria for a 70 percent rating from March 8, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, nor does he have a disability rated at 100% disabling in conjunction with a separate disability rated at 60% or higher. Therefore, his claims for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance and TDIU are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, hypertension, and a chronic kidney disorder was denied. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.,No presumptive exposure to Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, Gulf War Syndrome, or other environmental exposures is claimed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to transportation issues preventing the scheduled hearing. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA examination to assess his PTSD symptoms and their impact on employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a renal disability. The claim of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a right hip disability claim is pending.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD based on an alleged in-service personal assault. The VA has not provided a VA examination or obtained all relevant records to adjudicate this claim.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 30 percent rating. Service connection for colon cancer and brain aneurysm were denied as there is no evidence of their onset during service or within the presumptive period.

The Board has determined that the overpayment of VA compensation benefits was based solely on administrative error and not due to any fault or misrepresentation by the Veteran. As a result, the debt is invalid.

The Board found that there is no competent and credible evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, or a migraine headache disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, and therefore grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 3, 2012. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran was diagnosed with depression during the appeal period, which is related to his military service. Therefore, service connection for depression has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and Vet Center records related to his PTSD and headaches. The case will be readjudicated after the additional development.