PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board has ordered a remand to gather additional evidence and conduct examinations, including stressor verification and psychiatric evaluations, in order to determine whether the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, PTSD, diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, and a transient ischemic attack have been denied. The effective dates for the awards of service connection are set at December 15, 2006, for diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction, and May 9, 2007, for the transient ischemic attack.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD effective from October 17, 2006. The claim for an increased rating for the gunshot wound to the right leg was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and PTSD were denied as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. Effective March 1, 2006, his schedular rating is at least total.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or Major Depressive Disorder, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed PTSD is due to in-service stressors and granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete stressor development and further verification is required.

The Board found no credible evidence supporting the Veteran's claim that he experienced in-service sexual assault, and thus denied service connection for PTSD and other acquired psychiatric conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hepatitis C, finding insufficient evidence to support these claims based on lack of verified stressors and no medical nexus between current conditions and service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors could not be verified, and thus did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of credible supporting evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The VA examiner found that his symptoms have worsened and now meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms meet the DSM-IV criteria and are linked to his combat experience, thus granting service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as a result of in-service combat exposure, and thus grants the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and PTSD diagnosis.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and denied the claim.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claims for service connection for PTSD and a back condition, but denied reopening of his claim for heart condition. The Veteran was found to have engaged in combat during his Vietnam service, which supports his claim for PTSD. His back condition is also supported by evidence showing he participated in combat operations and had an in-service injury.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder has been manifested by depressed mood, anxiety, social impairment, and chronic sleep impairment that approximates occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency. The criteria for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia patella of the left knee, PTSD, tinnitus, and IBS. The Veteran's symptoms are linked to his military service.