PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy, as well as his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), were denied by the Board. The issues are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence being received and potential VA mental health clinic records not yet considered.

The Board is remanding the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's sleep disorder, including whether it is separate from his service-connected PTSD. The RO should also obtain all outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to January 25, 2008 and increased to 70 percent from that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to address the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorders and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred during his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his military service, and thus service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since March 13, 2003. The Board found that the symptoms of anxiety, depression, panic attacks once or twice per week, passive suicidal ideation, hypervigilance, startle response and moderate impairment of short term recall and concentration do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as there is a current diagnosis of PTSD based on verified in-service stressors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin condition, PTSD, tinnitus, hearing loss of the left ear, and COPD. The decision also addressed his claim for TDIU prior to January 7, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development of his claims file and verification of stressor events.

The Board has remanded the case due to equivocal evidence regarding PTSD and unverified in-service stressors. The Veteran needs a psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD is currently manifested, and for the VA to attempt to verify all claimed stressors.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including major depression, panic disorder, and PTSD, is manifested by suicidal ideation, impaired impulse control, depression, panic attacks, memory impairment, difficulty adapting to work settings, social isolation, and hypervigilance. The Board has determined that the disability picture more nearly approximates a 70 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying stressor events. A PTSD/mental disorders examination will also be conducted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the highest available rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is incurred in service, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of February 21, 1989 for service connection of PTSD based on the submission of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim for a VA examination and to afford him an additional opportunity to provide evidence that substantiates his claim.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify whether the Veteran's Lt. Colonel [redacted] was in his command at Zweibrucken, Germany in July 1980 during military service.