PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD is dismissed as there are no allegations of error in previous decisions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen any of these claims. The Veteran was also denied a higher rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD results in occupational and social impairment resulting in reduced reliability and productivity, but without suicidal or homicidal ideation, impaired communication, inappropriate hygiene, illogical speech, spatial disorientation, or an inability to maintain relationships. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for lung disability, lupus erythematosus, and psychiatric disorder (PTSD), but denied reopening of the claim for heart condition. The rating for bilateral hearing loss remains at 10%.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA hospital records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, a bilateral knee condition, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low back pain, and migraine headaches, have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrences that would support the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's character of discharge was not a bar to benefits, and thus granted service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to March 1, 2009 for additional compensation benefits for a dependent spouse is denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not provide information about his dependents until June 23, 2009, more than three years after he was initially granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional records are needed and a new VA examination is required to properly evaluate the Veteran's PTSD. The appeal will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for another VA PTSD examination to assess his current psychological symptoms and their impact on social and occupational functioning.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to ischemic heart disease, which is presumed based on exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD and lumbar spine conditions were not found to warrant evaluations in excess of the currently assigned ratings.

The Board has granted an increased disability rating for PTSD to 30 percent, effective July 8, 2011.

The Veteran's PTSD is not due to a disease or injury incurred in service, as his claimed stressors are not verified and he did not engage in combat. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is currently rated at 50 percent under the general rating formula for mental disorders. The VA has determined that his symptoms meet the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is causally linked to in-service stressors he reported.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for PTSD was denied. For the period from November 10, 2003, to October 2, 2009, he is rated at 50 percent; for the full pendency of his appeal, he is rated at 70 percent.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's request to withdraw this appeal, and therefore, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for aid and attendance or being housebound. The case will be remanded for this purpose.