PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the lack of recent medical evidence and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, and his disability rating for the fracture of L2-L3 was increased to 30 percent. The issue regarding an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with a joint motion, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's PTSD. The TDIU claim is also being considered in light of the Veteran's work counseling records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by hypervigilance, difficulty sleeping, problems with intrusive memories, anger, irritability, and social isolation resulting in occupational and social impairment. The VA has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD from February 26, 2009, to the present.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by near total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of VA treatment and verifying alleged in-service stressors. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed to determine if he has any current psychiatric disability that was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his military service and have been confirmed by a VA psychologist. The Veteran now meets all criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been found to result in total occupational impairment, warranting a 100% evaluation.

The Veteran's hypertension is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are credible and consistent with his service, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran's PTSD was previously rated at 70 percent prior to June 22, 2007. Effective June 22, 2007, the rating for PTSD has been increased to 100 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30% prior to June 20, 2006 and increased to 50% from that date. The Board found the criteria for a higher rating were met starting from June 20, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the rate allowed by 38 U.S.C.A. � 1114(r)(2) is granted, as he receives necessary and life-sustaining daily health care with hands-on facilitation by his wife who has received specific training and performs under the direction, guidance, and supervision of a caregiver.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, a sleep condition, PTSD, major depressive disorder, headaches, and right CTS secondary to left CTS. The decision also addressed an increased rating claim for left wrist tendonitis/CTS.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, and initial compensable evaluations for left jaw line scar, right lower extremity scar, and left lower extremity scar.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining prison medical records and updating VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression, is granted. From August 21, 2006, the Veteran's peptic ulcer disease is rated at 20 percent.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen a claim for service connection for PTSD and major depression. The issue of TDIU is dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran.