PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus do not render him unemployable prior to January 6, 2011.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to address his claims of service connection for PTSD and a bilateral foot disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining missing VA examination reports and clinical records. The ratings for PTSD will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the Veteran's period of service from 1977 to 1979, obtain VA treatment records from Tuskegee VAMC, and provide a VA examination for psychiatric disorders. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is as likely as not related to her active duty, and service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on in-service stressors of sexual assault and witnessing a fatal airshow crash.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound due to his disabilities, as he is able to perform most self-care functions independently.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU effective July 22, 2002, as her service-connected PTSD and related conditions have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease to include as secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder are pending. The claim for increase in rating for coronary artery disease from May 25, 2005, to April 2, 2009, is granted. The claims for an earlier effective date for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability and special monthly compensation by reason of being housebound are pending. The claim for educational assistance pursuant to Chapter 35 of Title 38 of the United States Code has not been adjudicated yet.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50% from April 26, 2007, and increased to 70% effective August 6, 2008. The rating of 70% is maintained as it meets the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder, but denied it on the merits due to his own willful misconduct during service. The current diagnosis is PTSD and dysthymia, which are considered as direct service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received within one year of the May 2004 and September 2006 rating decisions, allowing for a de novo review. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to her military service and personal assault experiences.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and determine the nature and likely etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The examiner will assess whether the Veteran has a valid PTSD diagnosis related to his in-service personal assault and head trauma stressor, as well as whether he has other psychiatric disorders that are service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed as there are no remaining issues for appellate review.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and an increased disability rating for PTSD prior to a decision being made.

The Board found that the Veteran's stated vocational goal of concrete sales was not reasonably feasible due to his service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities, including a severe brain injury from a motor vehicle accident. The VRC concluded that achieving this goal would be unreasonable given his current medical condition.

The Veteran's PTSD continues to be a significant condition impacting his social and occupational functioning, with the RO affirming its previous denial of an increased rating.