PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted. The initial compensable evaluation for asthma disability was assigned prior to May 16, 2007, and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent was assigned from May 16, 2007, to April 12, 2012, with a subsequent increase to 30 percent thereafter. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and private medical records.

The Board found that an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, did not have its clinical onset in service and was not aggravated therein. An acquired psychiatric disability is not otherwise related to active duty; a psychosis was not exhibited within the first post-service year.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, as the appellant's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for such a claim due to her pre-existing conditions and lack of in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 50 percent rating prior to December 5, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and to ensure a full, complete, and contemporaneous record upon which to make a decision.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since November 14, 2006. The Board found that the symptoms more closely approximated total occupational and social impairment for the period from October 21, 2005 to November 13, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent since September 28, 2013. This rating reflects severe impairment in social relationships and mood, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking or mood.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, but not for a low back condition. The Board found that the evidence supported these determinations.

The Board has remanded the case for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge, either at the RO or via video-conference.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was reopened and service connection is granted. The Veteran also has a current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which is found to be related to his military service.

The Board has restored service connection for PTSD, which constitutes a complete grant of the benefit sought on appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of 100% for PTSD with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and substance dependency is granted effective from October 25, 2004.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's current service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). However, due to his PTSD symptoms and unsuccessful attempts at employment, he may be eligible for TDIU under extra-schedular considerations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims file and a VA examination.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred during ambulance services and a hospitalization at Mitchell County Hospital on December 29, 2008 were not for 'emergency treatment' as defined by the prudent layperson standard. The VAMC determined that VA facilities were feasibly available at the time of the private hospitalization.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with major depressive disorder, prostate cancer residuals, and other conditions, have rendered him unemployable. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of his disabilities.