PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran and his representative have withdrawn their appeal regarding the initial ratings for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, effective October 13, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD results in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the VA office in San Juan.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder have been rated at 30 percent combined since January 16, 2008. The Board finds that the current symptomatology does not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed residuals of cold exposure did not begin in service, have not existed continuously since service, and are not shown to be otherwise related to any incident of service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was addressed separately.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD and Anxiety Disorder NOS, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, specifically a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for service connection as his psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and Diabetes Mellitus, Type II are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence related to the claimed stressors and the etiology of his conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, including dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by an accidental overdose of fentanyl, venlafaxine, zolpidem (Ambien), and diphenhydramine. The medical opinions are in favor of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those for higher rating for PTSD, service connection for stroke and testicle cancer, and TDIU. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal regarding lumbosacral disc derangement. The claim for an increased rating for sciatic nerve involvement with sensory loss of the left second toe is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, coronary artery disease, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, result in a combined 80 percent evaluation and preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The criteria for entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are met.

The Board has expanded the issue to include service connection for a generalized psychiatric disorder at the request of the Veteran and his representative. The case is REMANDED for further development, including obtaining additional treatment records from the Colorado Springs Vet Center and conducting a supplemental opinion by a VA examiner.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for a low back disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD. However, further development is needed due to incomplete records and inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the initial grant of service connection, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and examination, including consideration of whether the Veteran's claimed stressors are consistent with his service and whether he meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and fibromyalgia, as well as the increased ratings for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities. The Veteran's claims were not reopened due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between her conditions and active service.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 70 percent. The evidence does not demonstrate that his service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU benefits is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his employability and the impact of his service-connected disabilities.