PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent prior to October 31, 2012 and in excess of 70 percent beginning on that date for the service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features (diagnosed as pain disorder and PTSD) was granted. The effective date is set at October 31, 2012.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as PTSD, is granted. The decision is based on new and material evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% prior to October 30, 2012 and increased to 70% thereafter.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since October 20, 2009, due to grossly inappropriate behavior and persistent danger of hurting himself or others.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected depression and PTSD, and an opinion on whether his sleep apnea is caused or worsened by his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a supplemental examination to address the relationship between his service-connected PTSD and his migraine headaches.

The Veteran's service connection claims for low back disorder, asthma, PTSD, knee disorders, ankle disorders, shoulder disorders, bilateral pes planus, and hypertension have been granted with initial disability ratings effective October 1, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, such as PTSD, or any other psychiatric condition. The evidence does not support his claim of an in-service sexual assault leading to PTSD. For bilateral hip and left knee disabilities, there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The service connection for eczema was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety attacks, is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disability, PTSD, bronchitis, right knee disability, left knee disability, or bilateral plantar fasciitis that had its onset during active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, which raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating her claims for service connection for PTSD and anxiety and insomnia. The claim is being reopened.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, PTSD with depressive disorder, and other disabilities rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of June 8, 2005. The effective date for the grant of TDIU is therefore set at that time.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, or nerve damage to the right upper extremity. The Veteran's service records indicate he was wounded in combat during his active duty service but do not provide sufficient information for a diagnosis of PTSD based on his reported experiences.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression and PTSD), a gastrointestinal disorder, and a respiratory disorder. The evidence did not support these claims based on her active duty service in Southwest Asia during the Gulf War.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective February 24, 2004. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted for any period of time.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to cause total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.