PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if any other psychiatric disability is related to service and whether PTSD can be linked to a verified in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the appellant's cause of death and TDIU claims due to incomplete development, including a need for VA outpatient treatment records from 2003-2004 and SSA disability benefits decision. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are being evaluated by a VA physician.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective March 30, 2009. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from the JSRRC and VA medical facilities, as well as arranging for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature of any current psychiatric disorders and their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal on the issue of service connection for calcified granulomas, claimed as a result of exposure to asbestos, has been withdrawn. The issues of service connection for PTSD and cracked teeth are being remanded concurrently.

The Veteran's claims have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his current level of disability from PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was found to have aggravated his pre-existing coronary artery disease, resulting in a 10 percent disability rating.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including schizophrenia and PTSD, to his military service. The appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain records of the Veteran's alleged sexual assault during active duty and to determine her military duty status for the relevant period. The Veteran is also scheduled for a psychiatric examination to assess whether she meets the criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection and compensation for PTSD is denied as legally insufficient.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and whether headaches are related to service or service-connected conditions. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since January 2007, with a temporary increase to 100 percent from May 31, 2007 to September 1, 2007. The rating is based on the severity of symptoms and occupational/social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the appellant and additional medical records are needed. A VA opinion is requested regarding whether alcohol abuse caused or contributed substantially to the Veteran's death, and if so, whether it was related to a psychiatric disability and/or PTSD due to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a skin disorder, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The issues of entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disorder and PTSD are addressed in further detail in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits information. The case will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private psychiatric treatment records from relevant time periods.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, which represents a complete grant of the benefit sought on appeal. The VA will also need to conduct further examination and obtain any necessary medical records related to the appellant's lower legs and feet.