PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been granted, and the issue of residuals, left knee condition, is dismissed as withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining MRs from the Veteran's unit in Vietnam and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran has PTSD or other acquired psychiatric disorders related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and determining whether a VA examination is necessary. The case will be adjudicated again after these actions are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including providing appropriate notice regarding PTSD based on personal assault and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of hepatitis C.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis, flat feet, shin splints, hernia, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The decision also noted that the preexisting flat feet did not undergo a worsening beyond its natural progression during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Travel Board hearing. The claims of service connection will be reconsidered after the hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of service connection for hypertension as secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder and as a result of Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling for the period beginning September 10, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 30 percent since June 10, 2004. The evidence shows moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is related to service. The thoracic spine and hearing loss are not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by a restricted affect, difficulty understanding complex commands, forgetting to complete tasks, frequent motivation and mood disturbances such as depression and anxiety, and GAF scores in the 50s. The criteria are met for a higher initial disability rating of 50 percent, but no greater, for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since May 10, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as his experiences treating wounded soldiers during service are consistent with his diagnosis.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is found to have originated during his service in Vietnam, and the Veteran's disequilibrium is determined to be secondary to his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling an examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to obtain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of PTSD, hepatitis C, and a right ankle disability. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for service connection and evaluations for PTSD have been dismissed due to the failure to perfect an appeal of prior rating decisions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew it prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective July 14, 2005.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD and finds that new evidence supports a finding that his current PTSD is related to his military service.