PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Board found that the cause of death, anoxic brain injury due to hypotension and bradycardia, was not caused or contributed substantially or materially by any service-connected disability. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, lumbosacral spine disability, tinnitus, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss were deemed insufficient to contribute to his death.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period after June 6, 2009 is dismissed as moot due to his already assigned 100% schedular rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable due to substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD and frostbite residuals are associated solely with his second, dishonorable period of service. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or otherwise related to active military service.

The Veteran's appeal of the claims for service connection for a skin disability and for a sinus disability has been withdrawn. The claim of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance is denied as he does not qualify under the criteria due to lack of a service-connected skin condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for additional VA examinations. The claims will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, was rated at 30 percent prior to February 12, 2011. The rating has been maintained since then.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The low back disability is also denied as there is no evidence of service connection or aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital on July 14, 2008 are eligible for reimbursement by VA under the provisions of Chapter 17 of Title 38 of the United States Code.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records, particularly those from the mental health facilities where the Veteran was hospitalized in November 2008 and his follow-up visits. The VA will seek these records to determine if PTSD is service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The VA examiner found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the criteria provided in Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent effective from May 5, 2003. The Board also granted an earlier effective date of August 27, 2004 for SMC based on being housebound and remanded the TDIU claim since it is now moot due to the grant of a higher rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including VA examinations and medical records. The Veteran will be provided with a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) after all necessary actions are taken.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder has been rated at 30 percent since December 8, 2010.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for his IVDS and PTSD was granted, with the effective date of December 6, 2000, for the increased rating of 50 percent for PTSD.,A TDIU on an extra-schedular basis was also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by severe symptomatology such as hallucinations and delusions, severe sleep disturbances, and occasional suicidal ideation, consistent with a finding of total occupational and social impairment. A 100 percent rating is warranted from October 6, 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since July 29, 2008. The Board has determined that the evidence supports a higher rating of 70 percent for PTSD from this date.,For TDIU, the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and MDD have caused significant impairment in his ability to work, leading to unemployment since 2002.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, approximate the criteria for a 70 percent rating. The Board also found that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further medical development and to make specific findings regarding service connection, aggravation of pre-existing conditions, and the provisions related to the presumption of soundness.