PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disorders is being remanded due to incomplete verification of claimed stressors during service. The Board will consider all diagnosed conditions, including PTSD, in determining whether they are related to military service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety disorder (mixed anxiety and depression), was determined to be related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability found to be present.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by complaints of anxiety, increased irritability, flashbacks, crying spells, sleep problems, and poor concentration. The Board found that the disability resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD claim was denied as there is no credible supporting evidence to corroborate her report of in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right wrist disability, hypertension, and stomach disability due to service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from his time in a correctional facility and providing him with an examination by a psychiatrist.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Veteran's claims file must be reviewed in conjunction with the examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total occupational and social impairment beginning June 11, 2008. Prior to that date, the disability was manifested by deficiencies in most areas of work, family relations, judgment, and obsessional rituals.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is not warranted, as there was no claim filed prior to October 22, 2004.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for PTSD are being remanded to allow for a new VA examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective February 2, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD was denied, and the appeal is dismissed as a matter of law.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and granted service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed features, but denied his claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for status post operative residuals of a torn cartilage with degenerative joint disease, right knee. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for sprain of the left foot and ankle was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of impairment in social and occupational functioning, with noted reduced reliability. The Veteran exhibited anger, irritability, recurrent re-visitation of traumatic events, and sleep disturbances as his principal symptoms for the period from October 24, 2005 to June 10, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran did not engage in combat and there is no independent evidence to corroborate his statements regarding having been ambushed and injured. The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that the Veteran has PTSD related to service or any established event, injury, or disease during active service.

The Board has denied the reopening of a claim for service connection for PTSD and depressive disorder, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board finds that the appellant does not meet the requirements for financial assistance for the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a personal hearing before a member of the Board at the RO.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.