PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was granted, with a retroactive effective date of May 6, 2011.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD rated at 50 percent. The case is remanded for issuance of an SOC on the issue of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has decided that additional development is needed due to the Veteran's failure to appear at a scheduled hearing and the possibility of an undelivered letter. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disability, and the Veteran's sleeplessness was not linked to his military service. The Veteran's low back condition is rated at 40 percent, but there are no other compensable conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The Veteran was provided an opportunity for a VA examination but failed to report. A remand is ordered to schedule the Veteran for a comprehensive psychiatric examination and hepatitis C evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently in remission and does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating. The Board finds that hypertension, while secondary to PTSD, has not been established as service connected.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of an earlier effective date for service connection. The initial evaluation for PTSD remains under review.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as anxiety, chronic distress, anger, sleep impairment, suicidal thoughts without intention, and increasingly limited occupational and social interaction. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent rating are met since January 14, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and opinion regarding the effect of his PTSD on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims at this time.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional development of his claims, including an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD requires him to be in need of aid and attendance, which is granted as part of his SMC claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case as there are no remaining issues to review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The lumbar strain was rated 10 percent disabling, while the sinonasal disease did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination(s) and determine whether the Veteran, based on his work history, level of education, and service-connected disabilities, but not his age or any nonservice-connected disability, is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are linked to his combat experiences in Korea during his military service.