PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD and there is no evidence of a psychosis manifested within one year after service. The medical evidence did not establish any psychiatric disorder, including depression, nicotine dependence, or alcohol dependence, as being causally related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent prior to April 16, 2012 and at 70 percent from that date. The RO granted a higher rating of 70 percent effective April 16, 2012.

The Board is unable to determine whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and/or bilateral hearing loss caused his death, as there are conflicting opinions in the record. The case will be remanded for further clarification.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the DSM-IV criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, and therefore service connection is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging a new psychiatric examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 1, 2009. The issue of a higher rating for diabetes mellitus was withdrawn prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD and consideration of whether he is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and nerve damage, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that new evidence confirms a current diagnosis of PTSD related to combat exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depressive disorder NOS and PTSD due to incomplete findings in the April 2011 VA examination report and February 2012 addendum. The Veteran is to be provided a new VA examination with a different examiner to determine the nature of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, as his current conditions are more likely related to substance abuse and childhood trauma rather than service.

The Board has determined that the current rating decision is not in compliance with Mauerhan v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 436 (2002), and requires a supplemental medical opinion to assess the Veteran's PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD was denied as there was no communication received from him prior to May 31, 2006 that constituted a formal or informal claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, low back disability, and right shoulder disability due to lack of credible supporting evidence that a stressor actually occurred during his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for a pulmonary disorder and PTSD are being reviewed.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and psychosis, were not related to his service. The claim was denied as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and panic disorder with agoraphobia, is related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, MDD, and panic disorder, are related to her personal assault during service. As such, she is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 16, 2005. The Board found that the disability results in total occupational and social impairment.