PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and consideration of a December 17, 2009 statement from E. A. B.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the maximum schedular evaluation for tinnitus has already been assigned. The issues of service connection, increased evaluations, and earlier effective date are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has PTSD and whether it is related to service. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain medical records. The issues include increased ratings for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, as well as a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records and provide a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to August 31, 2006, for the assignment of a 100 percent rating for PTSD is denied. The evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD symptoms within one year before the date of receipt of his claim.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, and the Board dismissed the issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. The disability picture includes occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to PTSD symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, near-continuous panic or depression affecting ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for hospitalization from December 29, 2006 through January 3, 2007 are now reimbursed by VA due to the existence of an emergency and reasonable attempts made to transfer him to a VA facility.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder, but denied service connection for left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, memory loss disability, headaches, and excessive snoring. The appellant's tinea of the shoulder and groin areas are rated noncompensably disabling since September 15, 2003.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service stressors.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of PTSD, right pulled hamstring muscle, and left pulled hamstring muscle has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to June 18, 2009 resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary to determine if the appellant participated in stressful activities during his service, specifically in Honduras and Columbia. The VA will contact relevant agencies to verify these allegations.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30% prior to November 20, 2007 and at 50% since then.

The Veteran's PTSD results in deficiencies in work, school, and family relationships but does not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection and evaluations related to low back disability, sleep apnea, PTSD, erectile dysfunction, fracture of the right hand, diabetes mellitus, and TDIU.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the Veteran's in-service sexual assault and PTSD diagnosis, as well as to obtain Social Security Administration records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination if an independently verifiable stressor is found.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the record.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, are related to his service. The case will be returned for further action.