PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have more closely approximated total occupational and social impairment for the entire appeal period, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and determine if a valid diagnosis of PTSD can be made based on these events.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by mood swings, nightmares, some impairment of short-term memory, mild social impairment and Global Assessment of Functioning scores ranging from 50 to 60. The criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent disabling for PTSD have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board found no evidence to warrant a higher rating based on his symptoms.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have post-traumatic stress disorder and denied her claim for service connection. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination regarding whether her pre-existing lumbar spine condition was aggravated during active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is not service-connected due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors. The claim for hepatitis C compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 remains pending and will be remanded for further investigation.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for clarification on whether he has ALS, which could affect his service connection claim. The service connection claim for ALS is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's combat experiences in Vietnam are sufficient to establish a diagnosis of PTSD and link it to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

Throughout the rating period on appeal, the Veteran's PTSD has been productive of not more than an occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent inability to perform occupational tasks. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to December 17, 2008 and at 70 percent since then. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service records and verifying National Guard and Reserve service. The Veteran's claim will be adjudicated again after this additional development.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is found to be the result of his military service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or right Achilles tendon injury residuals, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and treatment records. The Veteran is requested to provide additional information or evidence for further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there is no current diagnosis of PTSD and the claimed in-service stressors have not been verified.

The Board has granted service connection for ankylosing spondylitis of the cervical spine and PTSD, finding that new evidence supports reopening these claims. The Veteran's ankylosing spondylitis is presumed to have been triggered by genetic factors, while his PTSD is linked to stressors during active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, specifically to combat experiences in Vietnam. Service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are consistent with his military service experiences. Service connection for residuals of asbestos exposure was not established.