PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70% rating from July 2, 2003.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disability for VA purposes that had its onset in service or is otherwise related to his military service.

The Board found that the appellant's PTSD does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating, as his symptoms do not warrant a rating of 70 percent or more.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further consideration due to outstanding VA medical records and a need to obtain additional information from the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran does not currently demonstrate an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety, which first manifested within one year of separation from service and is related to his service or to any incident therein.

The Board found no current diagnosed disability of PTSD and denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including mood disorder (NOS) and alcohol abuse.

Service connection for curvature of the spine was denied as there was no evidence of a current disability related to military service. An initial 30 percent evaluation for PTSD prior to September 10, 2003, was granted, but an evaluation in excess of 30 percent from that date was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and polysubstance abuse is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of stressors and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a total evaluation of service-connected PTSD was denied as there was no increase in disability warranting such an effective date within the one-year period preceding September 14, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms that approximate total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder has been rated at 50 percent since February 15, 2005. The current symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran seeks an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the nature and severity of his service-connected PTSD, as well as whether he has any other psychiatric disorders that are part and parcel of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for eye disorders, kidney and liver disorders, dizzy spells and headaches, and PTSD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not show these conditions were related to service or service-connected diabetes.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD was incurred in service, and grants his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining service personnel records and VA medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent disabling since February 10, 2006. Since then, the disability picture more nearly approximates a 70 percent rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development. The issues of service connection for PTSD and a back disorder are pending.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the diagnoses are etiologically related, at least in part, to his combat-related stressors.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the local RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for ulcer disease, PTSD, and neurogenic claudication of both lower extremities. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the previously denied claim of ulcer disease. Service connection was also denied for PTSD.