PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The case will also be addressed regarding whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran requested to withdraw the appeal for increased ratings for PTSD.

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

The Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred during active service. However, his bipolar disorder and depression are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disability, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since December 15, 2006. As a result of this rating, the claim for TDIU is moot.

The Veteran's skin disorder is not related to or the result of his military service, including especially his alleged exposure to Agent Orange. The Board denies this claim.

The Board granted a rating of 30 percent for bronchial asthma, effective from October 22, 2010. The Veteran's cognitive impairment and acquired psychiatric disorders were found to be service-connected under the direct theory.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for blackouts and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and schizophrenia. The decision also noted that new evidence was submitted to reopen the claim for blackouts but did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability was previously denied in October 2006. New and material evidence has been received, allowing the claim to be reopened.,Service connection is granted for a cervical spine disability as it is attributable to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain his service personnel records and VA/VAU treatment records, as well as for appropriate examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disability, COPD, and lumbosacral spine disability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional examinations and outstanding documents, including Social Security Administration records. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations for PTSD, prostate cancer residuals, and renal dysfunction are also being addressed.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and found that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran's claim is now pending on the merits, including the need to corroborate a personal assault stressor.

The Board has decided the claims for higher initial ratings for left knee and left ankle disabilities, finding that they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD with alcohol abuse in remission was denied as there is no evidence that he filed a timely application to reopen his previously denied claim prior to August 28, 2009.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, and the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Munroe Regional Medical Center on February 17, 2011 are granted as they met the criteria for reimbursement due to an emergent condition and lack of feasible VA availability.

The Veteran's PTSD has caused significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent rating since the claim period began.