PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional due process considerations, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's spouse was awarded dependency benefits effective September 1, 2005. The Board denied an earlier effective date as the claim for additional compensation for dependents was not submitted within one year of notification and verification of the dependent's existence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service personnel records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD. The Veteran was diagnosed with PTSD based on in-service stressors and his current symptoms are related to these events.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claim for an increased initial evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder is moot as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD. This includes obtaining updated personnel records, verifying all periods of service, and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and a neck disorder, finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims. The claim for service connection for a neck disorder is remanded due to the need for an examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other mental disorders is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination, consideration of new regulations, and further development.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since April 6, 2006. The Board found that the disability currently results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Board found that the February 1969 rating decision denying service connection for passive-aggressive personality disorder did not contain clear and unmistakable error, and thus denied the Veteran's motion to revise the decision.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD or lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease that is service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a more contemporaneous examination of his PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher initial rating is not warranted. The Veteran also does not meet criteria for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective December 4, 2008. Effective that date, he was granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD was incurred during his service in the Republic of Vietnam, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, effective July 13, 2009. Prior to this date, the rating was 10 percent.

The evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, was incurred or aggravated by service. The Board finds in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for further development, including verification of stressors and a VA examination.