PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, and the issue of entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disability has been mooted as it pertains to his claim for an increased rating for PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, finding that no legal basis exists to assign an earlier effective date than June 21, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, finding no new and material evidence. The claim for ankylosis of the knees remains pending.

The Board has ordered the VA to investigate and provide information on the Veteran's claimed stressors, which will then allow for a determination of whether service connection for PTSD can be granted.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD was denied because he did not engage in combat with the enemy and any current diagnosis of PTSD is not based on a verified stressor that occurred during service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service personal assault and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to clarify the SMC rates and conditions for which he is eligible, as well as adjudicate a claim for service connection for a right foot disability. The issue of entitlement to higher SMC based on need for aid and attendance will be reconsidered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is related to his service and grants the claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's stressors and determine if they are related to PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to be incurred in service, resolving all doubts in his favor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining National Guard service records and VA examinations to determine if current psychiatric conditions or left upper/lower extremity disabilities are related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a clarification of the extent of his psychological, social, and occupational functioning due to PTSD and depression related to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted based on a diagnosed condition and credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claims for PTSD and lumbosacral strain, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.