PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Board decisions

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with chronic depression and social anxiety (claimed as an adjustment disorder), was found to be incurred in service due to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The diagnoses of other conditions are also not linked to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to her service-connected disabilities, which render her incapable of protecting herself from daily life hazards.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the lack of verification of an in-service stressor. The case will be reviewed and a psychiatric examination will be scheduled if the stressor is verified.

The Board has found clear and unmistakable error in the November 1960 decision that severed service connection for psychoneurosis, and restored it. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is moot as the benefit requested (restoration of service connection) has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are linked to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and related gunshot wounds have been granted a 100% rating, effective as of the date of his claim. The Board also granted an earlier effective date for the increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if she requires aid and attendance as a result of her service-connected PTSD. The appeal will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the diagnosis and causation of his PTSD, as well as the need to fully develop the personal assault stressor claim in accordance with VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial increased rating for his service-connected diabetes mellitus was dismissed due to the Veteran expressing his desire to withdraw from appellate review of this issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted, and he has service connection for non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with congestive heart failure. The issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and his right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent disabling. The combined rating is 80 percent. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's abdominal scars are rated at a compensable level, and his PTSD is service-connected. However, the reduction in his PTSD disability evaluation from 50% to zero percent was not proper.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol abuse is currently rated at 30 percent, effective April 10, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms warrant this rating.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective January 24, 2006, as he became unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities on that date.

The Veteran's respiratory disorder is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the current condition and service. The acquired neuropsychiatric disorder claim is denied as there was no diagnosed condition at the time of service. Service connection for lumbar spine disorder and passive aggressive personality disorder are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including PTSD and other psychiatric disorders, are related to his service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions based on their direct relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected anxiety disorder and obtaining outstanding VA medical records.