PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, and memory loss have been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition related to military service, including as secondary to an in-service personal assault.

The VA has determined that new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD has not been received, resulting in a denial of the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of total impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his claimed stressors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no credible evidence to support the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressors.

The Veteran's service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) and a bilateral knee disorder are granted. The claim for the acquired psychiatric disorder is based on personal assault stressor, while the claim for the bilateral knee disorder is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 50 percent since April 21, 2009, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for an anxiety disorder, NOS, due to in-service stressors. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are considered initially caused by in-service events.

The Board found that the appellant had submitted new and material evidence to reopen his claim for PTSD, which was related to in-service stressors such as rocket attacks and enemy fire. The Board granted service connection for PTSD based on this evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to consider the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, including verifying stressors and determining if there is a nexus between any verified stressor(s) and the current symptomatology of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development of the record, including providing corrective VCAA notice.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for PTSD, and also wants to challenge the January 2000 decision that granted service connection for PTSD with a 30% disability rating. The Board has decided these issues need further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for DRO review due to a failure to provide an Appeal Election letter, and the case will be returned to the Board if necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is severe enough to prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, thus meeting the criteria for TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected due to a personal assault he experienced during his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Veteran is found to have a diagnosis of PTSD as a result of his military service, and therefore service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of PTSD, finding that the earliest date upon which it was factually ascertainable that the Veteran's PTSD met the criteria for a 100% evaluation was January 5, 1998.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and special monthly compensation were denied as the evidence did not support the requested higher ratings or entitlement to special monthly compensation based on anatomical loss.

The Veteran's death is being reviewed to determine if his service-connected conditions contributed to his cause of death. The appellant also seeks DIC benefits under a new version of the regulation.