PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, was caused by service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the Veteran's diagnoses of PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression. The claim will be adjudicated again after the necessary examinations are conducted.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from sudden cardiac arrest. The VA reviewer concluded that the Veteran's PTSD was not a primary cause of death, and other medical conditions were more likely contributing factors.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, including as due to an in-service personal assault. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (prostate cancer residuals and PTSD) render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is primarily manifested by symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, intrusive thoughts, social isolation, avoidance, and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships. These symptoms demonstrate no more than occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, affective disorder and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development of his medical records and a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been rated at 50 percent since May 15, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence does not demonstrate that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 30, 2004. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and denied his claim for a TDIU prior to February 13, 2012.

The claims of service connection for reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the right hand, pharyngitis, and a psychiatric disorder are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran will be scheduled for new VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and PTSD have been granted service connection, with the cervical spine disability receiving a higher rating than PTSD. The Veteran is denied TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, as he is able to function normally without the requirement for such assistance.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent rating from March 11, 2010. A higher rating is not warranted prior to that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, but found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim. The Veteran was granted a reopening of his claim, but the Board ultimately denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied as his first communication to VA regarding this issue was received on July 9, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination. The issue of TDIU has also been referred.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to a verified in-service stressor and grants service connection for PTSD, including associated conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 11, 2007. Effective March 2, 2008, the Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU.