PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD and denied service connection for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (with depression) was granted a rating of 50 percent, effective June 26, 2008.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence related to the Veteran's PTSD, including obtaining missing treatment records from the Vet Center and Coatesville VAMC.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD as the claimed in-service stressors were not verified by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including impaired impulse control, suicidal ideation, chronic sleep disturbance, nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, flattened affect, anxiety, depression, social isolation, anger with outbursts, irritability, feelings of guilt, memory and concentration deficiencies, and some obsessive rituals, are indicative of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. The nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, dementia, hypertension, headaches, and a bilateral foot disorder. However, the claim for service connection for PTSD was granted.

The appeal is remanded to ensure due process compliance regarding the Veteran's request for a local hearing by a Decision Review Officer (DRO).

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is characterized by social impairment, chronic recurring nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, irritability, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and a suicide attempt. The GAF scores ranged from 35 to 70 during the appeal period.

The appeal is being remanded for further development, including verification of the Veteran's claimed stressors and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has decided to reopen the peripheral neuropathy claim, but further development is necessary before addressing the merits of the service connection for PTSD.

The appeal is remanded for further development of the evidence related to the Veteran's claimed stressors and skin disorder.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for additional development, including verification of a claimed in-service personal assault and further medical evaluation.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant records and a medical opinion.

The Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for duodenal ulcer disease and a separate 10 percent rating for left knee degenerative joint disease by X-ray with painful motion, but the claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, PTSD, and left knee instability were remanded.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to ensure a complete record is available, including an appropriate VA psychiatric examination.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 23, 2002, for a grant of a 100 percent evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted based on the verified in-service stressor of experiencing SCUD missile attacks while stationed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Veteran's PTSD is not shown to be more severe than currently rated at 30 percent, as the evidence does not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for any psychiatric disability, and the Board dismissed the appeal.