PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and cataracts due to exposure to ionizing radiation. The Veteran now has a current diagnosis of PTSD, which was not previously established in the April 2006 rating decision. Cataracts are also found to be related to exposure to ionizing radiation during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's ankle/feet, back, neck, left shoulder, stomach/gastrointestinal, and psychiatric disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The kidney disorder was determined to be pre-existing and not aggravated during service.

The Veteran's combined rating was 60 percent after the appellant's 26th birthday, but did not meet the requirement of a permanent and total disability for DEA benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent prior to June 8, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by moderate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity since September 20, 2007. Since then, the disability picture more nearly approximates a 50 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and potential exposure to PTSD during service. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD, as evidence suggests that his condition has worsened since his last examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the disorder. The Veteran also does not meet the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, as his impairment is primarily caused by non-service connected knee issues.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA outpatient treatment records and a PTSD examination. The Veteran's service connection claim remains on hold.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board video conference hearing at the VARO in Togus, Maine. The issues of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, right knee disorder, sleep disorder, and chloracne are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD symptomatology has more nearly approximated total occupational and social impairment for the entire period on appeal, warranting a 100% disability rating.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD, which is presumed to have developed as a result of his service in Vietnam. The Board finds that the evidence supports this diagnosis and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran currently meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder not otherwise specified, depressive disorder not otherwise specified, alcohol dependence sustained full remission, and PTSD are shown to have resulted in deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, judgment, thinking and mood; total social and occupational impairment is not demonstrated. The Veteran is currently assigned a 70 percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evidentiary development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and addressing the issues related to PTSD and TDIU.

The Veteran's death was caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is presumed to be related to his service in Vietnam and exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for PTSD for accrued benefits purposes is denied, but the cause of death claim is granted.