PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to outstanding treatment records and the need to clarify which symptoms are attributable to PTSD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and PTSD due to issues with his discharge from service and incomplete medical records. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional information and evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed stressors could not be verified, and thus there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor upon which a diagnosis of PTSD can be based. As such, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, and therefore service connection for such is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no disability rating is assigned as the claim is not about service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment throughout the appeal period, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, based on the Veteran's reported stressors in Korea and a diagnosis of PTSD by a VA psychiatrist.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, ED as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disability, and CFS. The Veteran's stressors were not credible due to lack of evidence of service in the Persian Gulf War, and there was no supporting evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and service.

The Veteran was granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD effective January 23, 2007. The Board found that the date of entitlement to this increased evaluation is also January 23, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's claims file will be provided to a VA psychiatrist or psychologist for review.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for PTSD prior to and after August 22, 2002 were denied. Service connection for malaria was granted. The effective date for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was not earlier than August 22, 2002.

Service connection for PTSD has been established, and the appeal is dismissed as there are no pending issues or disputes.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims, including a TDIU claim due to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to include consideration of whether service-connection is warranted for any acquired psychiatric disability. The case is REMANDED so that a VA examination can be scheduled and a comprehensive medical opinion obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA psychiatric evaluation to assess the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran is also seeking an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD and TDIU.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and left knee disability, as well as service connection for PTSD. The effective dates for these awards were set to November 25, 2009.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated opinion regarding the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities, including newly granted ischemic heart disease.