PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to lack of a proper claim. The Board also notes that additional VA treatment records should be obtained as they may impact the Veteran's entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or on account of being housebound has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have already enabled him to obtain and maintain suitable employment, thus he does not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation benefits under Chapter 31 of Title 38.

The Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for his service-connected PTSD. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and the provision of his treatment records. The issues on appeal are whether he should receive an increased disability rating for PTSD and if he qualifies for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security disability records and conducting a social and industrial survey.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The symptoms described by the Veteran are consistent with a 30 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, CVA residuals, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 1, 2006. His combined disability rating is 70 percent from that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been found to meet the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation since August 2010, and an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent from December 8, 2008. The bilateral knee disorders and back disorder are not service-connected.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an innocently acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD. The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since June 19, 2009. The RO granted service connection for PTSD and increased the rating to 70 percent effective from that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted, as her testimony established the occurrence of a stressor related to fear of hostile military action during her service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of the RO to readjudicate all issues in appellate status, including his claim for a TDIU and an increased rating for PTSD. The case will be returned to the Board after any necessary development.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of PTSD, service connection for headaches and sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records, conducting examinations, and providing proper notice.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted.,Service connection is also established for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include mood disorder, schizophrenia, depression, a paranoid disorder, psychotic disorder, anxiety, and major depressive disorder.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for post-operative left knee internal derangement residuals due to receipt of new and material evidence. The claims for headaches, tinnitus, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, and PTSD are all granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted, based on direct evidence of a link between his in-service stressor and current symptoms.

The Board dismissed all the moving party's claims of service connection for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the low back, retinopathy, cirrhosis of the liver, cholecystitis, PTSD, and depression, all claimed as secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.