PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Board has denied the Veteran's applications to reopen her previously denied claims for service connection for an allergic skin disorder, bilateral lower extremity disorder, and bilateral knee disorder. The claim for PTSD was not addressed as it is considered a separate issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling, effective April 8, 2004. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of stressors and a VA PTSD examination to determine whether the Veteran's PTSD is linked to service. The Veteran underwent an initial VA PTSD examination in January 2010 but did not provide the requested opinion regarding the link between her claimed stressors and PTSD.

The Veteran seeks service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the evidence of record and determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is a result of his military service and grants this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The diagnosis is based on the merits of the claim rather than a presumption or reopening due to new evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by gross impairment in thought processes and communication, including an inability to work, complete isolation from his family, and irrational thought processes. The criteria for a 100 percent evaluation have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied in September 1995, and no new and material evidence has been presented to reopen this claim. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on his PTSD, bipolar disorder, and right inguinal hernia repair claims was denied due to a failure to file a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 30 percent since February 15, 2005. The rating is based on occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as anxiety, hypervigilance, and avoidance of crowds.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded due to lack of recent treatment records. His PTSD claim is also being remanded as his symptoms have worsened in the last year and a new examination is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD and cervical spine disabilities were denied increased ratings, with the PTSD rated at 30 percent and the cervical spine disability rated at 20 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety, major depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The case is now remanded to seek confirmation of in-service stressors that may support these diagnoses.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted for this condition. The Veteran's SFW of Muscle Group XIV remains at 10 percent. No TDIU was granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to verify his claimed in-service stressors and conduct a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's PTSD did not result in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity during the period from April 7, 2006 to May 28, 2007. Therefore, a higher evaluation of more than 30 percent is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the current severity of his PTSD and hypertension.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability rating from March 5, 2007, to June 10, 2008. The Veteran's claim for Parkinson's disease is not currently before the Board.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board found that this rating adequately reflects his disability level.