PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's PTSD was evaluated at a 30 percent rating prior to June 13, 2001 and at a 50 percent rating from that date. The appeal is granted for the 50 percent evaluation.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD is likely related to his service, warranting service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not substantially and materially contribute to his death from myocardial infarction. The medical opinions were inconclusive, with some suggesting a possible link but others finding it speculative.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, and right hand SFW residuals are all service-connected. The Veteran is granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for his PTSD and a compensable evaluation for his right hand SFW residuals.

The case is being remanded for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the extent and severity of the service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent from May 2, 2006, will be reconsidered based on the results of this examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that his current psychiatric disorders did not manifest during or as a result of his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD is attributable to service and granted his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since September 29, 2009. The rating remains unchanged as the evidence does not show total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for further consideration, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not cause occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking. Therefore, the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD have not been met.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for posttraumatic stress disorder, Type II diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were denied as there is no evidence of their onset during service or connection to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records, as well as potential further development of his claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed PTSD, as well as whether it was incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since September 20, 2007. The Board found that the disability more closely approximates the criteria for a 50 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed stressors cannot be verified due to their broad nature and description. The RO/AMC is instructed to attempt verification of the Veteran's stressor involving witnessing a wire snap and cut off the legs of a marine in January 1955 at Camp McGill, Japan.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 30 percent prior to June 13, 2007 and at 50 percent from that date. The Board has determined the criteria for higher ratings are not met.