PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and related eye disability are found to be disabling enough to warrant a TDIU, with the combined evaluation of his conditions being at least 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened and granted effective June 14, 2007, the date his petition to reopen the claim was received. The original claim was denied in February 1992 due to lack of evidence supporting the claim within one year of discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's initial claim for PTSD and anxiety disorder was granted, with a rating of 30 percent from May 2, 2009 to June 3, 2012. The RO then increased the rating to 70 percent effective June 4, 2012. However, the case is now being remanded due to missing VA treatment records and a need for further development regarding total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran was found to be incapable of obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities during the year immediately preceding her June 11, 2009 claim for a TDIU.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on June 19, 2009 for treatment of abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dehydration, and a urinary tract infection at Midland Memorial Hospital are granted as the care was deemed emergent and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus and an initial evaluation for major depressive disorder with PTSD was granted. The issue of entitlement to a higher initial rating for the psychiatric disability is being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of his psychiatric disability. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability remains in dispute.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of January 23, 1987.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim of alcohol abuse secondary to PTSD has been referred to the RO.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Friendship Manor Lakeside and considering whether medications for PTSD contributed to the Veteran's fall resulting in hip fracture.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50% from May 27, 2011 and increased to 70% from May 16, 2013. The current rating is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, specifically PTSD, based on a lack of diagnosed condition and insufficient evidence to establish a link between current symptoms and in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from the November 2011 VA examiner and providing appropriate notice regarding new PTSD provisions. The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and anxiety will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent from February 11, 2010 to April 25, 2012 and at 70 percent since April 26, 2012. The right hand skin disorder is presumed service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD related to an in-service stressor and therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The VA has granted a staged initial evaluation of 70 percent for PTSD, effective from February 10, 2012. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at this level.

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 consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a respiratory disability are granted based on direct evidence of an in-service event, without requiring additional stressor verification.