PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is June 21, 2010. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical strain with radiculitis and major depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since January 12, 2007. The RO increased the rating to 70 percent effective February 17, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from his private psychiatrist.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, and depression is granted due to the credible supporting evidence of a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from military sexual trauma is being remanded to obtain additional information and evidence. The case will be reviewed again after the requested development.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the cases of hepatitis C and substance abuse. The VA is required to issue a decision implementing the grant of service connection for PTSD, provide an opinion on whether substance abuse was proximately due or aggravated by PTSD, and consider the inextricably intertwined issues of hepatitis C.

The Board denied the claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, finding that the Veteran was not entitled to benefits due to his death not being service-connected and because he did not meet the requirement of having been rated as totally disabled for at least 10 years immediately preceding death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective November 13, 2006. The Board also found that the Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and addressing the issue of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's alcohol abuse is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,PTSD symptoms have not resulted in total occupational and social impairment from December 1, 2011, forward.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling since May 23, 2012, due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and dismissed the appeal regarding the initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(k) for loss of use of his right foot/leg, and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder and depression is rated at a 70 percent evaluation from November 20, 2009 to June 3, 2011. The Board has granted an initial rating of 100 percent for this period.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for a sinus disorder and chest pain. The remaining claims are being remanded to the AOJ.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertion that his preexisting left knee disability increased in severity during service, and denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and updated treatment records.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on all issues of entitlement to service connection, higher initial ratings for PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, remote right ankle fracture with degenerative joint disease, bilateral hearing loss, and TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to substantiate the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and right shoulder disabilities. This includes verifying duty status during ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA periods, obtaining VA examinations, and updating treatment records.