PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and PTSD, did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence showing onset during or within one year after service.

The VA determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, a cognitive disorder, a schizoaffective disorder, and a psychotic disorder, not otherwise specified, being related to his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The in-service stressors were verified but no current Axis I psychiatric disability was noted during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and her service-connected psychiatric disorders are not related to military service. The hearing loss claim is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records, particularly regarding his PTSD and seizure disorder. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board found that there is no credible supporting evidence of a verified stressor event and no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with the DSM-IV. As such, service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination. The issues are service connection for PTSD and non-PTSD psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to her failure to appear for VA examinations and to obtain relevant service treatment records, as well as any outstanding private and VA treatment records. The Veteran is also scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to determine whether she meets the diagnostic criteria for PTSD under the DSM-IV and if it is related to military service, including two alleged rape incidents in service. A gynecological examination will be conducted to determine if her gynecological disorders are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and remands the case for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to April 20, 2009 and increased to 70 percent thereafter. The claim for an increased rating remains viable as a higher rating is available. For the period prior to April 20, 2009, the Veteran met criteria for TDIU due to PTSD; however, from that date forward, he did not meet the criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD is service connected due to credible reports of combat exposure. Service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is denied as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by near-continuous anxiety, including very frequent panic attacks, depressed mood, suicidal ideations, and severely impaired social and occupational functioning. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 70 percent rating have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent disabling since April 13, 2010, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent from August 14, 2008 to December 20, 2011 and increased to 50 percent effective August 14, 2008. The current rating of 50 percent is maintained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to November 24, 2008 was denied. The Board also noted that the Veteran's appeal for TDIU prior to this date is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claims, including a TDIU claim. The case will be returned to the Board after any additional development has been completed.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol abuse has been rated at 70 percent since July 29, 2005. The effective date for this rating is not specified.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD cannot be substantiated due to lack of credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors and his less than credible statements regarding his active service.