PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD from January 20, 2004 to February 8, 2010 met the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying a claimed stressor. A VA examination will also be scheduled to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand has been reopened and granted. The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to establish a current disability, as indicated by medical records showing carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board also found that the Veteran's current condition is related to his period of service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim. The case will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Board has determined that service connection for PTSD is granted, finding all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran due to his combat experience and reported symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records regarding the Veteran's mental health during his time in Italy. The VA is instructed to obtain these records and consider them as part of the decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal regarding his initial rating for PTSD and TDIU, as well as his claim of CUE in a November 1977 decision that terminated his TDIU benefits. The case is now remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on credible evidence of a personal assault during military service. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be directly related to the sexual trauma he experienced.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent before July 20, 2012 and increased to 70 percent from July 20, 2012. The claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound due to his service-connected conditions. Therefore, the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for his PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and Depression. The effective date was determined to be June 8, 2007, and no higher rating is warranted prior to December 9, 2010.

The Veteran's basic eligibility criteria for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status have not been met. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the requirements to receive special monthly pension due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, did not have its clinical onset in service and is not otherwise related to active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency, but not to the extent that it warranted a higher initial evaluation prior to October 31, 2012.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and related depression has been granted based on the evidence showing a current diagnosis, in-service stressors consistent with his service, and a link between his symptoms and these events.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and dismissed the claim for a back disability. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his in-service sexual assault, which he reported during boot camp.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The status of the other issues on appeal is unknown due to missing or incomplete medical records.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and thus no jurisdiction remains for adjudicating the merits of this claim.