PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on peripheral artery disease of the left lower extremity and scars on the left ankle is being remanded to the RO. The Veteran currently has a 50% rating for PTSD, effective November 13, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to insufficient evidence concerning his current employment and income status. The Board will need to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent effective October 3, 2012. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent before that date is denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and alcohol abuse/dependency are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from various facilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA medical records, including those from the Tampa Vet Center and Tampa VA Medical Center. The claim for service connection for PTSD will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether his condition is related to service, secondary to other conditions, or caused by medication.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent rating effective November 22, 2010. The Veteran's PTSD was characterized by symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance behavior, exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, and difficulty in establishing effective work and social relationships.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right shoulder disability, and hearing loss, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran has requested withdrawal of all issues remaining on appeal, including the initial disability rating for PTSD and TDIU.

The Board has ordered further development due to incomplete records and the need for an updated VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and consideration, including a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his service-connected right ankle disorders. The left ankle claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining information about in-service stressors and attempting to corroborate whether the Veteran served with a Bill Barker who died during his service. The VA examiner is asked to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to service, particularly given the Veteran's credible fear of hostile military activity and accidental killing of a Vietnamese child.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, did not have their onset during active military service. The appeal for service connection was therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD that meets the DSM-IV criteria. The VA examiner found the Veteran did not meet all criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, finding that the Veteran's condition was not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from August 18, 2004 to February 7, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was granted for accrued benefits purposes, and his prostate cancer remained at a 40 percent rating.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of entitlement to an increased evaluation for PTSD and a TDIU. The case will be remanded for additional examinations, opinions, and development as requested.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, was aggravated during active service. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.