PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, left wrist burn scar, digestive disorder, sleep disorder, and ED as secondary to hypertension. The remaining issues of service connection have been withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claim for an increased rating for PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on a need for the regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to outdated treatment records, potential changes in his condition since previous examinations, and the need for updated VA medical evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a heart disorder, hypertension, or other claimed conditions during service or within one year post-service. Service connection was not granted for any condition.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of prostate cancer have resulted in daytime voiding interval of three to four times per day, but renal dysfunction and urinary tract infections are not shown. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a higher rating for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD and finds that new evidence supports a diagnosis linking his current condition to in-service stressors. The Veteran is granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and melanoma were denied, as there was no evidence of a current disability or link to service. The claim for cause of death was not addressed due to the appellant withdrawing her hearing request.

The Board found that a chronic acquired psychiatric disability was not manifested during the Veteran's active duty service, or within one year of discharge, nor is any current chronic acquired psychiatric disability causally related to such service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired chronic psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to address the relationship between his current diagnoses and military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and Depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and proper notice on substantiating his claim for secondary service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been consistently manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent evaluation. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to January 19, 2011 resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD was denied. The initial rating prior to March 15, 2012 is found not to meet the criteria for a higher evaluation than 30 percent. For the period on and after March 15, 2012, the criteria for a rating greater than 70 percent are not met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain medical records and for a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD, as well as determine if he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is currently rated at 30 percent effective April 23, 2008. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA and state disability records, as well as VA treatment records. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disorders will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a hearing before the Board at the RO.