PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The evidence received since the previous denial supports a current diagnosis of PTSD related to a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals at the RO via videoconference. The issues on appeal are an increased rating for PTSD with major depression and TDIU.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for PTSD, which is found to be the result of sexual harassment during her military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disorders, as well as whether he meets the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain Social Security Administration records and ships logs, as well as any outstanding VA medical records. The Veteran will also be provided an examination to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine if the appellant has PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records. The issue of an increased rating for PTSD remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD disability was previously rated at 10 percent prior to December 2, 2009. The RO increased the rating to 30 percent effective from December 2, 2009. The Veteran withdrew his claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to this date.

The Veteran's PTSD has caused occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity throughout the appeal period, warranting a rating of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and possibly an updated VA examination. The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a left shoulder disability that was incurred or aggravated by service. The psychiatric claims are pending as they may be related to fear of hostile military action.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by symptoms that result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, denied as his current condition is not related to a disease or injury in service, including a personal assault during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD due to military sexual trauma. The evidence did not support the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board finds that the appellant's PTSD was caused by stressors during his military service, including sexual and physical assaults he experienced while in the US Navy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was incurred in active service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim for service connection for leioblastoma is denied as there is no evidence linking it to his active service or presumed herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective September 25, 2007. The Board finds that the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, effective March 10, 2008. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, as his acquired psychiatric disorder and alcohol addiction were likely due to his military service but did not result from it.