PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, as well as a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his PTSD and IBS.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms of anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, difficulty with concentration, diminished interest in activities, avoidance of crowds, and impairment in short term memory. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent rating have been met.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a final decision can be rendered, including the need for an examination to determine if the Veteran was subjected to sexual and/or physical trauma in-service and the nature and etiology of any currently present psychiatric disorder(s), to include PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development including obtaining Morning Reports and verifying stressors, as well as providing a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to service. The claim will be readjudicated based on the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Southwest Asia, and he meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. The claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of moderate social and occupational impairment prior to January 9, 2003. The disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that any such disability had preexisted service and was not permanently aggravated.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an innocently acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD; a higher rating for residuals of L4 compression fracture; and TDIU. The appeal was not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from a Vet Center and contacting SSA regarding potential disability benefits. The Veteran will also be scheduled for an examination to assess his employability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is insufficient evidence to corroborate the alleged in-service stressor that led to his development of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of his service-connected disabilities in combination, not just individually.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The case is therefore REMANDED for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further medical examination. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, are being evaluated in light of his service allegations of personal assaults.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and rated at 50 percent since April 10, 2008. The effective date for this rating remains April 10, 2008.

The Veteran's claim seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied as a matter of law.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure and a gastrointestinal disability, both claimed as secondary to PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination to assess his PTSD and a VA audiological examination to determine any bilateral hearing impairment. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.