PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's PTSD and major depression have been granted a higher initial rating from 50% to 70%, effective July 31, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on appeal have been denied. The initial schedular rating for DDD of the lumbar spine remains at 20 percent, and the initial schedular rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of any and all psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The Veteran should be provided with a VA examination for this purpose.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to consider the Veteran's new claims for service connection for various psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizoaffective disorder, depression, and PTSD. The AMC/RO must obtain all relevant medical records, schedule a VA psychiatric examination, and adjudicate the claim on the merits.

The Board denied service connection for seizures and PTSD, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service. The Board also found that there was insufficient credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as incurred in service, with the stressor of being subjected to enemy attack while stationed in the Republic of Vietnam confirmed by credible supporting evidence.

The Veteran's appeal in regard to service connection for diabetes mellitus has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 7, 2006 and increased to 70 percent effective May 5, 2008.

The Veteran's PTSD causes total occupational impairment due to gross impairment in thought processes and communication, with persistent hallucinations, grossly inappropriate behavior, and a reduction in GAF score to 38. The criteria for a higher disability rating of 100 percent are met.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran currently has PTSD and, if so, whether it is related to any verified in-service stressors. The AOJ must then readjudicate the claim based on the results of the examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, to include degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is pending and requires further development.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric or psychological disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be granted as there is no credible, verified stressor to support his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by his active service due to a lack of verified stressors related to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, trouble sleeping, depression, irritability, difficulty socializing, problems controlling anger and aggressive behavior, anxiety, hypervigilance, intermittent suicidal and homicidal ideation. However, the disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of obsessional rituals or thought-processes, inappropriate speech, significant memory or concentration problems, near continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function, spatial disorientation, or neglect for personal appearance or hygiene.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating, and that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claims of service connection for groin injury, head injury, PTSD, and hyperumbilical pain.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his in-service personality disorder and whether any acquired psychiatric disability is a result of service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The claims for hepatitis and a back disorder have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty military service due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further development. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has not yet been adjudicated and must be addressed as well.