PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at 50 percent, and the Board has determined that an evaluation in excess of 50 percent is not warranted. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following some type of substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn for the issues of entitlement to service connection for anger problems and entitlement to a disability rating greater than 10 percent for right rotator cuff strain. The claim of service connection for cramping of the hands and feet remains denied as new and material evidence has not been presented.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing and further development.

The Board is requesting that the Veteran be scheduled for a new hearing before a Veterans Law Judge sitting at the local RO due to his inability to attend the previously scheduled Travel Board hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, and stroke residuals. The Veteran did not have any in-service complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions.

The Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and right foot conditions, prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent since September 16, 2002, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate discussion of evidence favorable to the claim, including evidence of suicidal ideation and periods of violence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify his claimed in-service stressors and obtain a medical opinion regarding whether his current PTSD diagnosis is related to his active service.

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 has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in writing prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's PTSD and depression were granted a 50 percent rating effective April 10, 2010.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain additional treatment records and conduct a new examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD, credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred, and a link between current symptomatology and the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that further development is required before the claims on appeal may be adjudicated. The Veteran needs to undergo a VA examination for his back, neck, and arthritis conditions, as well as a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he has PTSD and its etiology.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further medical evaluation and development of evidence regarding his claimed psychiatric disorders, head injury residuals, and hepatitis C.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is currently rated at 50 percent, which meets the criteria for a higher evaluation. The appeal has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred in service, and the issues of residuals of a cold injury to the left foot and residuals of a right leg injury are also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, preventing him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a higher rating for PTSD.