PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD has worsened since his last VA examination in September 2010, and a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder with features of generalized anxiety and PTSD, and depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, approximates occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. With resolution of all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, a 50 percent disability rating has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 4th ed., that is related to a verified stressor event.,The Veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus type II was denied as there is no competent evidence establishing that the condition is related to disease or injury or other event in active service. The first manifestation of diabetes mellitus type II occurred many years after service separation and it was not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities. The RO denied the claim, attributing the inability to work to both service-connected and nonservice-connected conditions. The Board finds that another VA examination is necessary to determine the impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on her ability to work.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD. New evidence shows current diagnoses of these conditions.,However, the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's character of discharge does not constitute a bar to VA benefits. The Veteran served in Vietnam and was diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus and PTSD with anxiety. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling prior to June 23, 2011 and as 70 percent disabling effective June 23, 2011. The evidence does not support a higher rating for PTSD.,Service connection was denied for hearing loss, sleep disorder, back disorder, right ankle disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, left foot disability, arthritis of the knee, and right plantar fasciitis.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder due to any incident of his active duty service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his depressive neurosis with PTSD prior to May 22, 2011 was granted. Additionally, the effective date of March 29, 2002 for the award of a 40 percent disability rating for neurogenic bladder was established.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with panic disorder and obsessive compulsive features, finding that the claim was properly granted in March 2003.

The Veteran's service-connected mechanical mid-low back strain is currently rated at 20 percent, and his claims for acquired psychiatric disorder and sleep apnea are granted. The claim for a disability manifested by fatigue remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and providing the claims file to a VA examiner.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and PTSD, as well as his request to reopen a previously denied claim of depression. The termination of special monthly pension benefits was found proper due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability evaluation for PTSD has been granted, with the increased rating effective from April 30, 2008.

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 and examination.

The Veteran's PTSD produces occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks. The Board finds that the symptoms align most closely with a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, as well as insomnia, were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of these conditions during service or linking them to service. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 70 percent for PTSD was granted, and the effective date of service connection for PTSD was set at April 21, 2010.