PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disability, specifically Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), finding that the Veteran did not engage in combat during service and there was no evidence to corroborate his claimed in-service stressor. As a result, the claim is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have credible supporting evidence to substantiate her claim of having been raped in service, and thus denied her claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and its complications were denied as there was no diagnosis of the condition.,Service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder prior to February 20, 2003 was not granted due to lack of a formal or informal claim within one year of separation from service.,Service connection for tinnitus prior to April 14, 2003 was denied as the Veteran did not submit a formal or informal claim within one year of separation from service.,An effective date prior to February 20, 2003 for an increased rating for residuals of fractures of the distal medial malleolus and distal fibula with post-traumatic arthritis of the right ankle was denied as there was no increase in disability prior to that date.,A total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability from March 2004, when the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to work within one year, was granted effective July 31, 2004.,Initial ratings of greater than 50 percent and greater than 70 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder were denied as the symptoms did not meet criteria for total occupational and social impairment.,A rating higher than 20 percent for residuals of fractures of the distal medial malleolus and distal fibula with post-traumatic arthritis of the right ankle was denied due to lack of evidence of ankylosis or malunion.,A compensable rating for residuals of a right heminephrectomy was not granted as there were no requirements met under VA's criteria.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right knee disability and granted it. The Veteran's current right knee disability is found to be related to an injury during service in 1983. Service connection for PTSD was also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms, including anxiety, avoidance, hyperarousal, poor concentration, distressing memories, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, anger control problems, and impaired impulse control, are indicative of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas. Therefore, an initial 70 percent rating for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's service stressors and to obtain her personnel records. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a higher rating of PTSD was denied as the current effective date is more than one year prior to the date of receipt of his claim.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of complaints of nightmares, depression, irritability, hypervigilance, and impaired thought process. The disability picture is most consistent with a 50 percent disability evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since the rating period on appeal. The Board found that his symptoms, including depression, suicidal ideation, sleep disturbance, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, obsessional and ritualistic behavior, and impaired impulse control, with isolative tendencies and poor family relationships, meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this case.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of prior medical examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to February 28, 2006 resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as frequent unwanted memories, avoidance of certain activities and places related to his service trauma, persistent irritability, difficulty concentrating, and emotional numbness. The evidence supports a 50 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for additional special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his ability to dress, undress himself, keep himself clean, feed himself, attend to his wants of nature, and function independently.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his combat experiences during service, and the claim for service connection is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, heart disease (due to herbicide exposure), and hypertension are not addressed as they do not involve service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD as there was no verifiable stressor and insufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining updated medical records. The issue of entitlement to an increased disability rating for PTSD will be reconsidered.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and remanded to obtain additional evidence regarding his current psychiatric conditions, including whether they are related to service. The lung disability claim is also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, PTSD, and depression due to lack of credible evidence supporting in-service stressors related to Vietnam service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressor, involving a tank accident resulting in fatalities and decapitation, is not credible. As such, posttraumatic stress disorder was denied as it was determined to be unrelated to any verified in-service stressor.