PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, will be remanded for further development and an examination.

The Veteran submitted additional evidence in October 2013, including a December 1996 private treatment record noting his diagnosis of PTSD and other psychiatric conditions. The claim is being remanded for the RO to consider this new evidence.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted as his current diagnosis meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis in accordance with DSM-IV.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and PTSD due to herbicide exposure during his active duty in Thailand. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

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

The Veteran's PTSD and depression NOS are granted service connection, but his claim for psychosis is denied as he has never been diagnosed with this condition.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD, are found to be related to his military service. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to June 5, 2012 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, impaired judgment, disturbances of motivation and mood, and difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships. These symptoms warranted a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from March 23, 2001 through July 9, 2003. The Board granted the initial rating of 70 percent for this period.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute substantially to his death, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to July 19, 2007 and increased to 50 percent from that date. The Board found that the evidence did not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is back before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) following a Board Remand in June 2010. The issues include entitlement to service connection for bipolar disorder, an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for Achilles tendinitis of the right ankle. The claim of service connection for PTSD remains pending as there is no corroborating evidence provided by a VA psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in previous medical opinions and a need for further clarification regarding service connection for PTSD and depression.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any of the Veteran's diagnosed psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim seeking an increased rating for PTSD was denied because he failed to report for a VA examination scheduled in connection with his claim.