PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder has been rated at 50 percent since the grant of service connection, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The prostate cancer claim was not granted as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, while the PTSD claim was also not granted due to its current mild disability picture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, should be remanded due to incomplete verification of stressors and need for a current examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeal regarding the timeliness of his substantive appeal for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran did submit a timely request for an extension of time to file a substantive appeal, which was provided by his representative.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability (PTSD) is found to have contributed to his death by causing him to use tobacco products after service, leading to the respiratory causes of his death. The claim for DIC benefits and increased death pension are granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination. The TDIU claim will also be adjudicated as part of the current appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and tinnitus are related to his active service, warranting service connection for these conditions. The claim for stomach pain with constipation is denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between the condition and service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression) was denied because there is no valid diagnosis of PTSD based on verified stressors. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and thus cannot establish service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service assault and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion on whether PTSD may have been a contributing cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability, manifested by anxiety and PTSD symptoms, is causally related to service. The presumption of soundness is not rebutted with regard to this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and additional evidence collection related to the Veteran's claimed stressors. The Veteran is also provided an opportunity to submit additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is due to an in-service assault and has been corroborated by credible evidence. Therefore, service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30% since December 16, 1997. From June 3, 2009, the rating was increased to 50%.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and other psychiatric disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of service connection based on direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding occupational and social impairment due to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, osteoarthritis (claimed as arthritis of the left side of the body), left shoulder disability, and residuals of a left foot injury were all denied. The claim for PTSD was granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as there is no credible evidence of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a psychiatric condition, including PTSD and depression, is granted at a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, thus denying the reopening of the claim.