PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and denied his claim for service connection. For hearing loss, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest possible schedular rating (100%) since June 28, 2010. As a result, his claim for TDIU is moot as PTSD was the basis for the original service connection.

The Board found no clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's PTSD preexisted service, but also noted that there is no indication in the record of a causal connection between his periods of active service and his current diagnosis. The claim for service connection was therefore denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since February 18, 2007. The Board found that the disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code. Additionally, the Veteran was not found to be unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, but denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of credible supporting evidence corroborating the claimed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent since February 2009, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and the Board finds that her statements regarding in-service sexual assault are credible, leading to a grant of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, chronic maxillary sinusitis, or papilloma of tonsillar fossa. The Board found that the cause of death was due to cardiomyopathy and asystole.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating prior to March 28, 2012. From March 28, 2012 to September 24, 2013, the Veteran experienced more severe symptoms resulting in a 70 percent rating. Beginning September 25, 2013, his PTSD caused significant impairment warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development and consideration of his claims, including the recent VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted, and the claims for higher ratings for his right and left knee disabilities are addressed. The issue of TDIU is part and parcel of the determination of the claim for a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA/privately held treatment records, is necessary before the claim can be decided.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and granted service connection. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in significant social and occupational impairment, warranting a 50% rating.

The Board found that the award of service connection for PTSD with anxiety, sleep disturbances, and chemical dependency was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. Therefore, it restored service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, residuals of a stroke, and a low spine disability. The claim for residuals of a stroke was not substantiated as it did not manifest during service or within one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for the residuals of malaria has been withdrawn, and therefore no further action will be taken on this issue.