PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is attributable to in-service stressors and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination to assess his PTSD and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence was presented to reopen his previously denied claim. The Veteran reported experiencing stressors related to his service in Vietnam, including loading and unloading dead and wounded soldiers. His symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, hyperarousal, anger, irritability, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance behaviors have been consistently diagnosed as PTSD by VA treatment providers.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70% since July 6, 2005. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not warrant a 100% evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD and finds credible supporting evidence of an in-service sexual assault, leading to service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to a verified in-service stressor, and service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the occurrence of in-service stressors. The case will be returned to the RO for further development, including verifying alleged stressors and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of September 24, 2003 for service connection of PTSD and a TDIU rating.

The Board granted an initial evaluation of 70 percent for the service-connected PTSD effective July 10, 2001. The claimant's earlier application to reopen his PTSD claim was found valid and he is now entitled to a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent effective October 24, 1996. The claim for TDIU is moot.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD attributable to an in-service event and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran's claim is now remanded for further development including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board found that the Veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to support his claim for service connection for PTSD, as there was no credible supporting evidence of a verified stressor event in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that any claimed conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service, including as due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and systemic lupus erythematosus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes, are not shown to be of such severity as to preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of verified inservice stressors and injuries, as well as current disabilities not being linked to service.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD remains pending and requires additional development before it can be adjudicated.