PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and his acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to service. The lumbar spine disorder also was not found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is at least as likely as not attributable to his military service, specifically his combat experience in Vietnam. As a result, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling since the effective date of service connection, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary bypass surgery is not service-connected, and denied his claims for hypertension, asthma, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression). The decision also found in favor of reopening the claim for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and TDIU were denied. The claim to reopen a left knee disorder was not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD, as the previous examinations are inconsistent and outdated.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination and further development of evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, GERD (secondary to PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are all granted. However, the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and his disability rating for PTSD is now at 50 percent as of the date of his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent from May 18, 2004 to February 7, 2005 and at 50 percent beginning February 8, 2005. The appeal for an increased rating during this period of time is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of recent medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. He is also granted a TDIU and temporary total rating based on hospital treatment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and eye disorders (diagnosed as age-related macular degeneration, posterior vitreous detachment, and incipient cataracts) were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after separation from active duty, and the earliest medical evidence of these conditions is dated many years post-service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The claim is therefore granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a Travel Board hearing. The Veteran's appeal is related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted, but the initial evaluation remains at 30 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied service connection for hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to insufficient information regarding his claimed in-service stressors. The VA will provide the Veteran with a new PTSD questionnaire and attempt to verify the reported stressors.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and determine if he currently suffers from PTSD.