PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted, but the disability rating remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to February 27, 2008. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to January 28, 2010 and is now rated at 70 percent. His hypertension remains at a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 40 percent as of July 21, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his current psychiatric disabilities to his military service. The claim was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms are not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 50 percent rating effective March 5, 2012. The VA has granted an increased evaluation for his PTSD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the validity of the Veteran's claimed stressors and their relationship to his current psychiatric conditions. The case will be remanded for a VA examination and additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to an administrative error in contacting him. The case will be readjudicated after all relevant records are obtained.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since January 8, 2007. The Board finds that the current evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected disability, as he had been rated totally disabled for less than 10 years prior to his death and did not have a continuous rating of total disability from the date of discharge. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his right fifth finger disability is granted. His current 10% rating adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms, including decreased grip strength and pain.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD has been remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms such as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, social withdrawal or isolation, depression, anger, poor judgment and insight, but without suicidal ideation, near continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function, spatial disorientation, or neglect for personal appearance or hygiene. The criteria for a disability rating of 50 percent prior to October 30, 2012 have been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for award of a schedular TDIU, but the weight of the competent, probative evidence indicates that his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to May 17, 2010 was manifested by sleep impairment, nightmares, and infrequent suicidal ideation, resulting in reduced reliability. The deficiencies were not demonstrated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, needs further development due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives and need for verification of certain stressors.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD with depression and service connection for asbestosis have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The derivative TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge sitting at the RO.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and left shoulder disability are found to be service-connected. The Veteran is granted a combined rating of 50 percent for her bilateral foot disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors are consistent with his service and supported by credible evidence. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending as its basis is unclear.