PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that no communication or medical record prior to April 16, 2008 could be interpreted as a claim for PTSD.

The evidence received since the August 2007 final rating decision, which denied the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, is new and material, and thus the claim is reopened.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of evidence supporting the occurrence of an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating since September 22, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a more contemporaneous VA examination to evaluate his PTSD, as well as for obtaining current and complete Saginaw VAMC treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and for additional VA treatment records to be associated with the claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 100 percent, effective from the date of his initial grant of service connection. This effectively renders moot his claim for TDIU as his disability now meets the criteria for a total schedular rating.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be manifested by symptoms such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, persistent irritability or outbursts of anger, and persistent exaggerated startle response. The Board determined that the current rating of 30 percent adequately reflected her disability.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and is now considering whether new evidence supports a finding that the condition was incurred in or aggravated by military service, specifically during TDY duty to escort remains of deceased servicemen.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and compliance with Dingess requirements.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, diabetes mellitus, and urethral stricture, are so incapacitating that they preclude him from securing or maintaining gainful employment. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence reasonably supports granting entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension and bilateral pes planus have been granted initial compensable ratings of 10 percent each.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's alleged in-service stressors have not been verified and denied her claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum under applicable criteria. The Board found that his symptoms warranted this rating throughout the initial rating period.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The Board finds that a VA examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disorders she may have, including whether they are related to her military service or personal assault.

The Board has denied all service connection claims, except for PTSD and abdominal scar. The Veteran's bilateral shin splints, left hip quad strain, GERD, stomach ulcer, residuals of a fracture of the right 5th toe, neck disability, abnormal pap test, ovarian cyst, constipation, hemorrhoids, left knee disability, and sinusitis have not been found to be related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of in-service stressors and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.