PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of migraine headaches is granted, and her service connection claim for PTSD based on a personal assault in-service is also granted.

The Board has granted an effective date of January 3, 1990 for the grant of a 100% evaluation for PTSD on an accrued basis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen claims for service connection for skin disability, bilateral eye disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, or psychiatric disability (PTSD).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to missing VA treatment records and the need to verify stressors. A VA examination will be scheduled if verified stressors are found.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus were denied as there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors or exposure to hazardous environments. The Board found that the Veteran did not engage in combat with the enemy during service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, but denied the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claim of service connection for diabetes was not addressed in a de novo decision as required by law.

The Board has denied reopening the claim of service connection for PTSD due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeal because a timely substantive appeal was not filed regarding the denial of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and depression have been found to meet the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as sleep disturbance, restricted affect, difficulty understanding complex commands, short-term memory deficiencies, and panic attacks. The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with scheduling and notification, including a hearing. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and polysubstance abuse are pending.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is currently rated at 50 percent, effective from the date service connection was granted. The disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need to verify the Veteran's service stressors and provide an opinion on whether they meet the criteria for PTSD.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with depressed mood. The claim was denied as there were insufficient verified stressors in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left foot drop with hyperreflexia and ankle clonus, shell fragment wounds of the left thigh, bilateral tinnitus, shell fragment wounds of the left anterior chest, shell fragment wound of the right elbow, and right ear hearing loss, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hepatitis C, and bilateral ear disorder are pending.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA mental health treatment records and private medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's death was caused by diabetes mellitus, which is presumed to be due to Agent Orange exposure. The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dismissed the DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 claim as moot.