PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims can be decided, including obtaining a VA examination for PTSD and considering whether the Veteran is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and found that new evidence supports a current diagnosis. The Veteran is granted service connection for PTSD, with an initial rating of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and considering new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The appeal is now pending before the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office.

The Board has expanded the issue of service connection for PTSD to include all psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to inadequate notification and development, including obtaining unit records and addressing memory issues related to claimed stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service personnel records and a new examination to determine if the Veteran's schizophrenia had its onset during service or is otherwise etiologically related to an event or injury in service.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a lower back disability or psychiatric disorders during service, and the medical evidence does not establish a link between any current disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, characterized as depressive disorder, was incurred in and caused by his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder, and these conditions are now considered to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD with dysthymia is rated at 70% from January 31, 2013 onwards, and the Board has granted increased ratings for his PTSD. His diabetes mellitus type II and headaches due to a concussion (TBI) are not service-connected.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed and the case is being remanded to obtain updated treatment records, provide notice of the July 2010 revisions to the regulations pertaining to service connection for PTSD under 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f), and schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent since April 23, 2012. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to that date and found no evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of VA treatment records.

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

The Veteran's appeals for hypertension, sleep apnea, and skin disorder have been withdrawn. The remaining claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and PTSD), pancreatitis, and diabetes mellitus are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, and a heart condition have been denied as there is no evidence of in-service disease or injury that would support these conditions. The Board finds the presumption of herbicide exposure does not apply to this case.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung cancer was not related to service, including asbestos exposure. The Veteran's PTSD and pre-existing stomach conditions were not found to be the immediate or underlying cause of his death.