PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records, as well as consideration of whether he should be granted TDIU based on his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The claims for right ear hearing loss and residuals of cold injuries are also denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during or after service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the evidence shows that his symptoms warrant a higher rating of 50 percent since November 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by symptoms such as insomnia, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, depression, impairment of concentration and memory, intermittent suicidal ideation without intent, disturbances in motivation in mood, and difficulty in establishing work and social relationships. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 50 percent disability rating have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the date of his claim, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and the nature and likely etiology of his lung disorder.

The Veteran is requesting a review of the May 15, 2000 Board decision that denied service connection for PTSD due to potential CUE. The case has been remanded for a hearing at the St. Louis RO.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied. The evidence did not show any gross impairment in thought processes or communication, persistent delusions or hallucinations, or a persistent danger of hurting himself or others.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. A PTSD examination will also be conducted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was found to warrant a rating of 50 percent, effective from the initial grant of service connection in September 11, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, specifically witnessing a helicopter crash and participating in rescue efforts. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's subjective account of being subjected to physical assaults during basic training, including from three drill instructors, is credible and consistent with the circumstances of service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD based on this verified stressor.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, hepatitis C, hypertension, and a skin disorder. As such, these matters are dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection. The claims for diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and peripheral neuropathy were denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 12, 2002 for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied as there was no prior claim filed before that date.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain all relevant medical records and review the Veteran's claims for service connection for acoustic neuroma, right ear hearing loss, and PTSD. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, finding that his current diagnosis is related to a verified inservice stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board has determined that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted based on the severity and impact of his symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for PTSD, leishmaniasis, and bilateral hearing loss was denied. The VA found that the current disability ratings were appropriate based on the audiometric findings.

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