PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is denied as the treatment was not for a condition requiring immediate attention and VA facilities were available.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent from March 24, 2003 to January 24, 2005 and a subsequent increase to 50 percent effective September 16, 2008. The Board has now determined that the Veteran is entitled to an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is likely related to his service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD should be April 13, 1984, as this is the earliest date on which the claim was received and supported by sufficient evidence.

The Veteran's death was caused by a heart condition related to his service exposure to Agent Orange. He had pending claims for diabetes mellitus, chloracne, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) that were all presumed due to his service exposure to Agent Orange. Accrued benefits are granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is due to or aggravated by service in the Persian Gulf War. The Board finds that the Veteran has shown a current disability and a link between his military service and his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and further evidentiary review.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in a combined disability rating of 70 percent, which meets the schedular requirements for TDIU. However, his other service-connected conditions do not significantly impact his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by severe symptoms such as constant depression, auditory and visual hallucinations, suicidal and homicidal ideation, significant memory loss, and intermittent inability to perform daily activities. The Board has determined that a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD is warranted based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to new evidence provided by the appellant. The Board also found that PTSD contributed substantially to the Veteran's death from acute respiratory distress due to pneumonia.

PTSD rated at 70 percent from November 13, 2007,Chloracne remains at 30 percent

The Board has granted service connection for chronic TBI residuals and increased the Veteran's disability rating from 30 to 50 percent for his PTSD and cognitive disorder, effective July 13, 2011. The issues of entitlement to a TDIU have been remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death, respiratory failure, was not related to his service-connected disabilities and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent for the period from February 28, 2003 to October 4, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain updated VA outpatient treatment records, provide adequate notice under VCAA, and schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if her acquired psychiatric disorder is related to in-service assault or childhood sexual abuse.

The Veteran's appeal is for earlier effective dates for the award of a temporary total disability rating based on hospitalization for PTSD, and for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities.,These claims are being denied as there is no evidence showing that the Veteran filed an earlier claim with VA.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent from August 17, 2004, to February 1, 2010. After this period, the rating was increased to 30 percent effective February 1, 2010.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining records regarding alleged stressful events in Vietnam and VA examinations to determine the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was not incurred or aggravated by service, and is therefore denied.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity is granted as these conditions are associated with his service-connected diabetes mellitus.