PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors, including participation in combat patrols and Operation Cedar Falls, are credible enough to establish service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since September 16, 2002. Since October 4, 2008, the rating for PTSD has been increased to 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to a higher evaluation for PTSD and an earlier effective date, finding that there was no factual basis to support either claim within the one-year period prior to November 22, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as there was a verified in-service stressor and a diagnosis of PTSD based on that stressor.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to personal trauma, finding that the Veteran did not serve in combat and there was no credible evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher initial rating. The evidence does not support an increased rating beyond 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by anger, auditory and visual hallucinations, restricted affect, nightmares with enuresis, poor impulse control, flashbacks, suicidal thoughts without intent or plan, social isolation, sleep disturbance, poor concentration, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, exaggerated startle response, complaints of disorientation, depression, and panic attacks. The evidence also shows that the Veteran has been alert and fully oriented with normal thought content and process, normal speech, good or limited eye contact, good hygiene, good judgment, and mild memory impairment.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and remanded the issue of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have arisen from a common etiology, namely the 1964 military police incident. The combined disability evaluation of these conditions is 60 percent, meeting the schedular requirements for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verifiable stressors and insufficient evidence supporting a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the claims of service connection for PTSD and tinea pedis, as well as the evaluation in excess of 40 percent for diabetes mellitus with non-compensable evaluations of diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. The case is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 50 percent disabling, effective January 15, 2004. The Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted for the period from June 23, 2009 to the present.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and clarifying the relationship between his service-connected psychiatric disorder and in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's reported stressors and current diagnoses, as well as incomplete treatment records. The Veteran will need to provide additional information about his medical history and treatment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly assess the Veteran's claims, including obtaining service treatment records and Social Security Administration disability benefits information. The Veteran should be afforded a VA examination for his hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was granted, and the appeal of his claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected schizophrenia has been withdrawn. The Veteran currently suffers from PTSD as a result of combat experiences during service in Vietnam. His claim for increased disability ratings for other conditions remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis and bronchitis are pending. His PTSD claim is reopened but the merits of his service connection claim remain unresolved due to lack of verified in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is service-connected. The Board also found that her back disorder and hypertension are related to her military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective August 25, 2005. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected PTSD.