PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that the new evidence submitted did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted as it is related to his service, specifically the death of his father in 1988. The claim for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is denied because the claimed traumatic events are not verified.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was granted, with the evidence showing that he has been awarded Social Security Disability benefits based on PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on his spouse's need for regular aid and attendance was remanded. The case of the Veteran's daughter, R.C., who is claimed to be a helpless child due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to age 18, also remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as depression, irritability, sleep problems, anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts. These symptoms have resulted in a Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score between 50-60, which indicates moderate impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and he is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, and the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of 50 percent is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development to verify if the Veteran experienced an in-service fall and witnessed a suicide, which may be related to his current psychiatric disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam and has granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service in Vietnam, where he was exposed to combat operations and fire support bases under enemy attack, is sufficient evidence for granting service connection for PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors could not be verified and thus did not establish service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, primarily diagnosed as PTSD and depression, finding that there was no evidence of a link between his current disabilities and any incident in service. The Veteran's stressors were not verified.

The Veteran's surgery on October 8, 2004 was authorized by VA and thus she is entitled to payment or reimbursement for the medical expenses incurred.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and a VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability found to be present during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and review of evidence, including psychiatric records from service and post-service. The appellant is seeking service connection for an acquired neuropsychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in moderate to moderately severe difficulties both socially and occupationally, with a Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score as low as 48. The Board finds that the criteria for an initial disability rating of 70 percent for PTSD have been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no medical evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional service information, medical records, and SSA disability determination. A VA examination will be scheduled for the Veteran to determine if he has a current psychiatric disorder or chronic headache disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent disabling as of March 13, 2008. The symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, anger control issues, short-term memory problems, anxiety, social avoidance, hyperarousal, hypervigilance, and depression.