PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including seeking an assessment report and opinion from a VA medical specialist to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's death. The appellant contends that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused his death due to hospital treatment aggravating it.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for Meniere's syndrome. The Veteran was not shown to have a verified in-service stressor for PTSD, and his Meniere's syndrome is not manifest by hearing impairment with attacks of vertigo and cerebellar gait occurring from one to four times a month.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since August 29, 2005. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and impairment in work and social functioning.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service stressor or a link between current symptoms and active service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied the claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The issue of service connection for hepatitis C is pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's contentions regarding in-service stressors have not been substantiated, and there is no current disability due to PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of in-service stressors and a need for further examination to determine if PTSD is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a skin disability, hypertension, heart disability, and cerebrovascular disability have all been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during his active duty or any link to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of in-service stressors for PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after further research is conducted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is granted, and the petition to reopen his left knee disorder claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including reopening of claims and consideration of all issues on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify a claimed stressor, and the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral chronic otitis media and PTSD were denied as there was no credible evidence of in-service injury or stressor, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the date of his service connection claim, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his military service, specifically his duties as a Military Policeman in Vietnam. The evidence supports the occurrence of the claimed stressors and there is medical diagnosis linking these events to the Veteran's PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective the date of his claim. The Board found that the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they do not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the occurrence of stressors and a need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD was initially denied in 1985, but reopened and granted effective November 13, 1984.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure is granted. The Veteran's PTSD rating is increased from 50% to 70%, effective July 11, 2005, and the earlier effective date of this rating is granted.