PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and he was granted service connection for it. The Veteran also received a 10% rating for tinnitus effective June 4, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and shrapnel injuries, played a substantial and material causal role in his death from end stage congestive heart failure.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was caused by an accidental overdose of painkillers, unrelated to service or a service-connected disability. Therefore, his cause of death is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Further development is needed, including VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected mental disorder renders him incapable of employment.

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

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim regarding whether his stab wounds were incurred in the line of duty or due to willful misconduct. The evidence shows that he was injured during a confrontation with another Marine, and while it is not clear if this was an act of willful misconduct, the Board finds that the injuries occurred in the line of duty. Service connection for PTSD and depression has also been granted as the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is related to his service experience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically for her right knee and left foot callus of the 5th metatarsal head. As such, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder was previously rated at 30 percent prior to January 2, 2013. From that date, the VA assigned a rating of 70 percent effective from January 2, 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymic disorder and mood disorder resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, meeting the criteria for a 70 percent rating since May 22, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as he does not currently have a diagnosed condition during the appeal period. The other claims were also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 50 percent evaluation effective January 24, 2013, due to occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The Board granted an initial rating of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was granted an increased rating to 50 percent effective July 9, 2012. The Veteran also received a separate 10 percent disability rating for lateral instability of the right knee and a 10 percent disability rating for lateral instability of the left knee.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disorder, claimed as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The issue is now before the Board for further consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is for an initial compensable evaluation for PTSD from June 18, 1957 to October 2, 2001. The case is being remanded due to the need for additional development of records and evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and assigned a 30 percent initial rating, effective April 23, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent prior to September 2, 2011. She also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

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

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and he is seeking a higher rating. He also seeks a TDIU due to his PTSD.