PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and residuals of a cold injury to the left lower extremity.,The Veteran does not have PTSD or an acquired psychiatric disorder as a result of his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder with depression, and panic attacks, is being remanded due to inadequate development of the facts.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no verified in-service stressor and thus no basis to establish a link between his current PTSD symptoms and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, back disability, major depressive disorder, lipoma of the neck and shoulder, and respiratory disorder (emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) have been denied as there is no verified in-service stressor, no current diagnosis or link to service, and no evidence of exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the veteran's claimed PTSD, including potential exposure to combat stressors during service. The appellant must provide additional information and medical records to support his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD has been primarily manifested by symptoms of depression, daily intrusive war thoughts, occasional intense psychological and physiological reactions to war reminders, significant sleep impairment, crowd avoidance, irritability, low motivation, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, some anger outbursts, and concentration difficulties which causes major impairment in his interpersonal relationships and overall ability to function. The Veteran is now rated at 50% for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with secondary schizoaffective disorder has been rated at 50 percent since March 26, 2001. The Board found that the symptoms have not met the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to August 3, 2006, and have now determined that they meet the criteria for a 70 percent rating beginning on this date.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The claim will now be reviewed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, PTSD, IBS, sinusitis, and chronic allergic rhinitis. The Veteran was not granted any disability ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the inextricably intertwined issues of TDIU and a disability rating for PTSD. The Veteran must be provided with additional notice and evidence regarding his service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 19, 1996 for service connection of PTSD. The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for PTSD is remanded to the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder is rated at 70 percent, warranting a TDIU due to his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD has been withdrawn. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU with an effective date earlier than September 13, 2007 is remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's PTSD has been shown to cause total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no verified in-service stressor and his diagnosis of PTSD occurred many years after service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since July 9, 1999. The symptoms have primarily included depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss, resulting in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, irritability, and anxiety. His occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity has been found to warrant a 50 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for high cholesterol, PTSD, hypertension, and tinnitus as there was no current medical evidence of these conditions or a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and a skin disorder are being remanded due to the need to verify claimed in-service stressors and obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.