PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 9, 2009 for the grant of service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining personnel records and verifying stressors for PTSD. The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorders may affect his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has found that additional development is required due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The Veteran's lay statements and testimony indicate she experienced personal assault during service, which may be indicative of an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record. The TDIU claim will be remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to unclear evidence in the record regarding his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of foreign service and stressor contentions, a VA psychiatric examination, and readjudication.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's current diagnoses and their relation to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to unverified service with the Ohio Army National Guard and a need to verify if the Veteran was exposed to a helicopter crash at Camp Pendleton in 1995. The claims for service connection are on hold until these issues are resolved.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for service connection as there was no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor and the Veteran's personnel records did not corroborate any claimed events. The Veteran is only service-connected for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and ensuring proper communication with the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective September 26, 2013. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The diagnosis of PTSD was not established.

The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated as 30 percent disabling prior to June 29, 2009. The symptoms included depression, anxiety, avoidance of social contact, and occasional impairment in concentration and memory.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain relevant records and provide an explanation of the examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed stressor event.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran's exposure to herbicides in Vietnam is presumed, and his diabetes mellitus type II is found to be related to this exposure. Service connection is granted for PTSD with a 30% evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, did not result from his service and denied the claim.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board found that her migraines occur approximately three to four times per month and have not most nearly approximated very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression. The claim is being reopened.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia and denied service connection for ulcers. The claims of service connection for arthritis of the hands, knees, and back are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD.