PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not substantially or materially contribute to his death, and his death was not caused by a disability incurred or aggravated during active service. The causes of the Veteran's death were determined to be unrelated to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injury to both hands and feet, face and ears, hepatitis C, and hypertension have been denied.,Service connection is not granted for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office for further development and consideration. The issues include seeking a higher disability rating for PTSD with recurrent major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder was granted with an effective date of March 1, 1984. This decision is based on new and material evidence submitted after the September 1984 denial.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease have rendered him unemployable since December 26, 2006. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by severe symptoms including suicidal ideation, impaired sleep, obsessive thinking, irrational beliefs, flashbacks, low insight, impaired judgment, uncontrollable mood swings, and blackouts since February 7, 2002. The Board finds that the criteria for a 100% evaluation have been met as of this date.

The Veteran's initial rating for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted at a 20 percent disability evaluation. The PTSD and proliferative diabetic retinopathy with pseudophakia issues are not addressed as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for PTSD and service connection for right knee osteoarthritis. The rating for PTSD was increased to 70 percent effective April 7, 2010, but the issues of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims for spine disorder and left knee disorder remain pending.

The Veteran's PTSD from January 20, 2004 to February 8, 2010 met the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying a claimed stressor. A VA examination will also be scheduled to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left hand has been reopened and granted. The Board finds that there is sufficient evidence to establish a current disability, as indicated by medical records showing carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board also found that the Veteran's current condition is related to his period of service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim. The case will be returned to the Board after this additional development.

The Board has determined that service connection for PTSD is granted, finding all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran due to his combat experience and reported symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing service treatment records regarding the Veteran's mental health during his time in Italy. The VA is instructed to obtain these records and consider them as part of the decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal regarding his initial rating for PTSD and TDIU, as well as his claim of CUE in a November 1977 decision that terminated his TDIU benefits. The case is now remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) based on credible evidence of a personal assault during military service. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be directly related to the sexual trauma he experienced.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent before July 20, 2012 and increased to 70 percent from July 20, 2012. The claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound due to his service-connected conditions. Therefore, the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating for his PTSD, Adjustment Disorder, and Depression. The effective date was determined to be June 8, 2007, and no higher rating is warranted prior to December 9, 2010.