PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verifying a claimed in-service stressor and obtaining VA medical examination to determine the extent, nature, and etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is due to his service in World War II and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and avoidance of triggers related to Vietnam. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to its impact on occupational and social functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available rating of 50 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. Service connection for depression, CAD, and hypertension secondary to PTSD are not granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is related to in-service combat or credible identified stressors.

The Veteran's death was not due to a service-connected disability that had been rated as totally disabling for at least ten years prior to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is linked to stressors experienced during active service.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an increased rating to 30 percent effective December 18, 2008. Service connection for hearing loss of the left ear and a skin rash were denied. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left hand injury was withdrawn.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly pension. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, STRs, and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current psychiatric disorder, including whether a pre-existing condition was aggravated by service. The Veteran's claim for service connection remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD causes severe social and occupational impairment, warranting a higher 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, a skin condition, a toe condition, and a sore on the penis are being REMANDED due to incomplete information provided by the Veteran regarding his in-service stressors. The claims will be further evaluated after verification attempts have been made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental health conditions, as well as headaches, are being remanded to allow for further development of the record.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Board finds that the Veteran has PTSD attributable to his active military service and grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his in-service exposure, specifically witnessing a man's death when he walked into the propeller of an aircraft. The Board grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the appellant's claimed in-service stressors and PTSD.