PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to insufficient evidence to confirm the occurrence of in-service stressors. The RO must attempt to verify the Veteran's reported stressors and provide a VA examination if necessary.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's psychiatric conditions, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, are related to service. The RO must attempt to corroborate the Veteran's reported stressors involving a SCUD missile attack and the death of First Sergeant M.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms prior to February 2, 2004 were characterized by nightmares, flashbacks, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, depression, diminished interest, feelings of worthlessness, occasional panic attacks, and poor energy, concentration, and sleep.,As of February 2, 2004, the Veteran's PTSD symptoms included a flattened affect, short-term memory problems, confusion, depression, lack of motivation, social isolation, difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, and experienced panic attacks two to three times per week.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and found that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD, which is related to his in-service stressors. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, is now considered service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and sleep apnea are granted. The claim of residuals of a right ankle injury is reopened but the issue remains pending as new evidence has been submitted.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain service treatment records and hospital records, as well as provide a medical opinion if necessary. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and any other diagnosed psychiatric disorders. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is incurred in active service and grants entitlement to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and bilateral pes planus are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD causes occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, but does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining unit histories and records from various units the Veteran was assigned to in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination to assess the cumulative impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to July 26, 2007. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for this period.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his service-connected PTSD was denied. The current effective date is not specified, and the Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and thus denied service connection for this condition. The Veteran's claim for pes planus was remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to August 22, 2008 and increased to 50 percent beginning from that date. The appeal is for both periods of time.

The Veteran's appeal is about the initial rating assigned for his service-connected PTSD. The RO has requested a more contemporaneous examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected conditions and their potential contribution to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and asbestosis has been granted. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. Asbestos exposure is not considered a basis for service connection.