PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The case is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records related to the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, and providing a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current psychiatric condition.

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

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and PTSD were denied. The Board also noted that the Veteran had withdrawn his appeal seeking special home adaptation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran has PTSD, but did not meet the criteria for higher initial or increased disability ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, has been granted. The claims for vision impairment, hearing loss, and residuals of a left foot injury have also been addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling prior to July 22, 2005 and as 50 percent disabling from that date. The Board found the evidence did not meet criteria for a higher rating at either time.

The Veteran's PTSD, low back disability, and migraine headaches are all service-connected. The hearing loss and sleep disorder claims remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because he failed to provide information about his alleged in-service stressors and did not participate in combat. The Board found that there is no evidence of an inservice stressor or a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's mid to lower back disorder and PTSD have been granted service connection, with the back disorder receiving a 30 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder, as well as the restoration of service connection for a right knee disability. The Veteran's claims were based on alleged sexual assault and harassment during her military service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent disabling since May 2, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period of time.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss have rendered him unemployable due to his inability to perform substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational background.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by impaired concentration, panic attacks approximately three times per week, difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships, some suicidal ideation, and significant deficiencies in the areas of work, family relations, and mood. The VA assigned a 30 percent disability rating for PTSD effective December 13, 2005.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development including a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder(s) are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the basic eligibility criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment, nor does his home require special adaptations based on his current level of disability.

The Board has found clear and unmistakable error in the May 1992 rating decision that granted service connection for PTSD, effective July 23, 1990. The effective date is now assigned as July 18, 1987.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim. The issue of whether a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is related to active service will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, suicidal behavior, depression, and PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder have been found to meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating, but her migraine headaches and rhinitis with epistaxis do not warrant an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD disability has resulted in total occupational and nearly total social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.