PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as he did not participate in combat with the enemy and his claimed stressors were not verified. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder. The decision is based on the merits of the claim and not due to any presumption or new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA examination and medical opinion regarding his hepatitis C, and for the issuance of a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) reflecting an increased rating for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disability had its onset in service and whether PTSD is connected to the Veteran's service with Cuban refugees.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressors occurred.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the maximum schedular disability rating of 100 percent throughout the period under appeal, effective from October 2002.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for PTSD was granted at a 30 percent rating, effective from June 20, 2000. The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Board found the Veteran's claimed stressors not credible and denied his claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent disability rating throughout the initial-rating period, and thus grants this portion of his claim. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and found that new evidence supports a current diagnosis of PTSD. However, as the stressors claimed by the Veteran have not been verified, his claim cannot be granted. The Veteran's sleep apnea is also denied due to lack of in-service incurrence or occurrence.

The Board finds that the Veteran currently has a diagnosis of PTSD in accordance with DSM-IV and that this condition is related to his period of service, thus granting service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent disabling, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hearing loss, cardiovascular disorder, diabetes mellitus, skin disorder, or PTSD. The claims are denied as service connection is not granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify inservice stressors and determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder was previously denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but not higher due to occupational and social impairment. Ratings for residuals of gunshot wounds are also denied.

The Board has determined that the June 1994 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD was based on clear and unmistakable error, and therefore grants service connection as of May 20, 1993.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a gastrointestinal condition, as secondary to PTSD. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for this purpose.

The Board found no evidence of PTSD and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD and a TDIU determination due to insufficient evidence in the record, including the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD is shown to be manifested by a disability picture that more closely approximates total occupational and social impairment, warranting an evaluation of 100 percent.