PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for PTSD and Right Ankle Disorder, but denied them as there is no new and material evidence to support these claims. The claim for service connection for Hypertension remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD with a 50% disability rating effective July 28, 2004. The Board found that the earliest date of entitlement to this benefit is December 26, 2002.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's account of a personal assault in service is credible and has concluded that she has PTSD as a result of a personal assault during service. The Board granted service connection for PTSD based on new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression are related to his military service, including participation in operations where artillery fire was exchanged. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for PTSD and post-concussion headaches are being remanded due to the need for medical opinions regarding the etiology and severity of his psychiatric disability(ies) and headache symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since January 27, 1994. The effective date for the TDIU has been set to January 27, 1994.

The Veteran's PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder have been granted service connection, with a current rating of 50 percent.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for a TDIU in September 1978, November 1983, and August 1989. The appeals were not granted due to the severity of his service-connected skin condition and PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus denied the claim for service connection for cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep disorder is caused by his service-connected PTSD and granted service connection for this condition. The claim of service connection for joint pain (specifically elbows and feet) remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a comprehensive psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded to allow for a VA examination and consideration of the recent amendment to 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and mild traumatic brain injury was denied. The Board found no evidence of a current service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD due to the need for additional evidence, including a VA examination. The appeal is characterized as encompassing both matters set forth on the title page.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to October 31, 2008.,The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70 percent since October 31, 2008.

The Board finds the evidence to be in relative equipoise, with the Veteran prevailing, and grants special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for PTSD, but denied the underlying claim as there is no verified in-service stressor and no competent evidence linking depression or a sleep disorder to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by complaints of sleep disturbance, depression, hypervigilance, and irritability. The Board finds that the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 23, 2005 for the grant of service connection for PTSD with mood disorder has not been met. The appeal was not reinstated as the Veteran's simultaneous withdrawal and rescission of the withdrawal was received outside the prescribed time limits.