PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The appeal is remanded to the RO for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran was granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent for his PTSD from August 9, 2006 to December 28, 2006, but the rating was reduced to 50 percent thereafter. The claim for TDIU was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD were denied, while the claim for service connection for sexual dysfunction was remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by nightmares, hypervigilance, easy startle reflex, night sweats, anxiety, social withdrawal, depression, and difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent rating have been met.

The appeal is remanded for further development to comply with the instructions in the Joint Motion and to satisfy VA's duty to assist under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability rating, service connection for allergies and secondary conditions, and new and material evidence to reopen a claim of service connection for PTSD.

The case is remanded to obtain a March 2007 VA audiological examination report and schedule the Veteran for a videoconference Board hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, as the impairment most closely approximates occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board found that a preponderance of the competent medical evidence does not demonstrate that the Veteran currently has PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on a confirmed in-service personal assault.

The Board remands the claim for a comprehensive VA PTSD examination to determine if service connection is warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no credible evidence that his claimed in-service stressors occurred and he did not engage in combat with the enemy.

The veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, low back disorder, left elbow disorder, and right knee disorder were withdrawn. The ratings assigned for the left shoulder, left knee, and left foot disorders were denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was incurred in or aggravated by his active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder as there was no current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome, major depressive disorder, and low back pain as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a sleep disorder and an increased rating for diabetes mellitus were denied. The Board also remanded the claim for service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent from July 6, 2004 through September 17, 2006 and a disability rating in excess of 50 percent from September 18, 2006 to the present.

The Board remands the claim for a new VA examination to reassess the current severity of the service-connected PTSD.

The appeal is being remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the existence of a link between current symptomatology and the claimed in-service stressor.