PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 4, 1998 for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied as a matter of law.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, a right knee disorder, and a left knee disorder are all granted. The Veteran does not have ratable hearing loss but his hearing has worsened more than 10 dB from his entrance to his exit physical at least at one of the ratable frequencies.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records, as well as any relevant SSI disability benefits records. The Veteran will also be afforded a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD and establishes that it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to the death of the appellant during the appeal process.

The Veteran's sole service-connected disability, PTSD, does not meet the criteria for a TDIU as his education and work experience do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service personal assault stressor is credible and has granted service connection for PTSD. The diagnoses of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are also supported by the evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to January 17, 2010. As of January 17, 2010, the disability rating for PTSD has not changed and remains at 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board has determined that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his appointed representative and himself, leaving no issues for the Board to consider.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records, as well as further consideration of his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 30 percent initial rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and muscle strain of the dorsal spine and right buttock, render her unemployable. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent for the period from March 30, 2012, forward. This rating reflects significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for a bilateral knee disorder, but did not address the other issues as they are related to different conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been withdrawn. The appeal for an increased evaluation of PTSD has been remanded due to the need for a statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, effectively dismissing the case.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disabilities are related to service, including his reported sexual assault in service. The appeal is being remanded for further development.