PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and SSA disability benefits information.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD at 100 percent disabling is March 6, 2002.

The Board has ordered the RO to verify the Veteran's reported stressor events and obtain any additional VA mental health treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after these actions are completed.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors are sufficiently corroborated and linking his current symptoms to his military service. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective from July 22, 2005.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current PTSD and any in-service stressors or exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, as well as his claim for TDIU, were denied by the RO in May 2006. The initial rating of 30 percent for PTSD was maintained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed disability of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied. Service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a computer under Chapter 31, finding that it is not necessary to assist him in functioning independently or in the community.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected PTSD, and thus denied service connection for the cause of death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 30% prior to December 15, 2004 and an increased evaluation in excess of 50% on and after December 15, 2004.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, qualifying for a TDIU effective June 22, 2000.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating in excess of 70 percent is not warranted.

The VA Board of Veterans' Appeals found that the Veteran's PTSD did not result from a verified in-service stressor and therefore denied service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his service, specifically the stressors he experienced during his temporary duty assignments in Vietnam. As a result, the Board has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board determined that the Veteran's PTSD was incurred in active duty service and granted service connection for this condition. The claim for headaches and sleep disturbance is not addressed as it pertains to a different issue.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to the RO for further action, including scheduling an updated VA examination to determine the severity of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to unverified stressors and a need for a VA examination.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for accrued benefits related to service connection for a psychiatric disorder other than anxiety reaction, special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability. The evidence did not support these claims.