PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was not manifested by the required occupational and social impairment for a higher rating prior to March 13, 2006. For the period from March 13, 2006 to May 2, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the appellant's PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a back injury, finding that there was no credible evidence supporting his claimed stressors and that he did not sustain an in-service injury. The current diagnoses of PTSD and a back condition were not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability is being remanded due to the need for further development of his service-connected disabilities and pending claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Depression are service-connected, with some stressors verified.

The VA Chief Benefits Director denied an extraschedular rating for the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, finding that it did not present such exceptional or unusual disability picture as to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 10 percent since March 20, 2001. Prior to April 20, 2009, the rating was in excess of 10 percent; from that date, it is in excess of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder (MDD) is granted, with the latter being secondary to his service-connected prostate carcinoma.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is related to in-service combat stressor events. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was granted. However, the Board denied service connection for a right ankle disability.

The Board has decided to grant service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, finding new and material evidence that supports the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder, are related to his active service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a valid diagnosis of PTSD based on verified in-service stressors and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and chronic fatigue have rendered him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and an increased rating for PTSD has been denied. The noncompensable ratings assigned are maintained.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient details provided by the Veteran regarding his stressors, and the need for further development including verification of stressors with JSRRC, Marine Corps, or NARA. The Veteran should also be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to obtain a medical opinion as to the relationship between any verified in-service stressor and current PTSD.