PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent from October 5, 2007 to September 3, 2009 and increased to 50 percent effective September 3, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including anxiety, major depressive disorder and PTSD as separate disabilities is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the claims for higher ratings for PTSD and residuals of lung cancer, adenocarcinoma.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of new regulations.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending before the Court.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since June 22, 2006. The Board found that the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and rated at 30 percent since January 2008. The symptoms have not interfered significantly with his occupational and social functioning, but he continues to require therapy.

The Veteran's PTSD was incurred in active service and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his fear of hostile military activity and supported by credible lay testimony. The Board also found sufficient evidence linking the diagnosed PTSD to his now-conceded in-service stressors. For the left hip disorder and multiple joint arthritis claims, a VA examination is needed to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and right knee scar disability meet the schedular percentage criteria for TDIU, and his claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg disability, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for scar of residual of shrapnel wound to the back prior to August 1, 2009, and entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for PTSD was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to new regulations regarding PTSD claims and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence of verified stressors for service connection of PTSD. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after an examination.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, arthritis of the right index finger, and an increased evaluation for partial amputation of the right index finger with decreased sensation were all denied. The Veteran was not granted service connection for any condition due to a direct link between his military service and the conditions in question.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and low back disability has been remanded for further action.,The Veteran's PTSD rating remains at 70 percent, but his claims for other disabilities are being reviewed.,Service connection for hypertension is secondary to PTSD. The issue of service connection for the left knee and skin condition will be addressed as well.,The Veteran's left knee disability and skin condition need further examination to determine their etiology.,The Veteran's claim for a skin condition (pseudofolliculitis barbae) is being remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since July 16, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are not productive of total occupational and social impairment, but his hypertension is not related to his service-connected PTSD. The claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD remains denied. New and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for hypertension, but service connection cannot be established as there is no medical evidence linking the Veteran's hypertension to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating.

The Veteran is seeking a TDIU based on his service-connected asbestosis and PTSD. The Board has determined that additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of these conditions on employment, is necessary.