PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows that he was exposed to combat and has a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 70 percent disabling. The Board has ordered a remand to ensure that the Veteran receives a current VA examination and for consideration of her recent treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and records are needed to properly adjudicate the appellant's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was denied. The appeal is based on reopening his claim due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is granted, with a current noncompensable disability rating prior to December 9, 2008, and a 10 percent disability rating from that date. The issue of service connection for PTSD remains pending as the evidence does not provide sufficient information to determine if there was combat involvement or other corroborating evidence.

The Board found no evidence of current PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disability, and the Veteran's symptoms were attributed to his history of alcohol abuse. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently manifested by symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, anger, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, and feelings of depression. The VA examiner found the Veteran to be appropriately dressed with good grooming and hygiene; fully oriented; cooperative; and able to maintain good eye contact.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's inservice electrical shock caused his current posttraumatic stress disorder, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a psychiatric examination to determine the etiology of any mental disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because the evidence did not establish a verified stressor linked by medical evidence to his diagnosed PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD does not result in symptomatology causing occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, thus the initial rating of 30 percent is maintained.

The Board found that there is no competent diagnosis of PTSD based on a corroborated in-service stressor, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The issue of tinnitus was not addressed due to the remand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied. The Board found that the respiratory disorder, to include sarcoidosis, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD must be remanded to allow for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder with partial PTSD has been rated at 100 percent throughout the initial rating period, effective June 12, 2007. The disability is characterized by severe impairment and unemployability.

The Board denied service connection for a rash in the groin area and PTSD due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, including a stressor involving the death of his brother in Vietnam. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder, is found to be related to in-service personal assault events. Service connection for these conditions is granted.