PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since July 30, 2009, due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disorders, including PTSD due to additional development needed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that it is causally linked to an in-service sexual assault. The other issues regarding Meniere's disease and Migraines are also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by intrusive thoughts and memories, anxiety and depression, suicidal ideation, isolation, difficulty in maintaining a legal practice and family relationships, sleep disturbances and short-term memory problems for the period between September 1, 2004, and August 31, 2005. For the period between September 1, 2005, and March 5, 2006, his PTSD was manifested by intrusive thoughts and memories, daily anxiety attacks and severe depression, suicidal ideation, isolation, difficulty in maintaining a legal practice and family relationships, sleep disturbances and short-term memory problems.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, and as a result, also grants service connection for Bipolar Disorder and Schizoaffective Disorder due to the overlap in symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Board found that the Veteran did not submit a formal or informal claim for service connection for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder prior to June 6, 2005. As such, the effective date of his award is fixed at June 6, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and TDIU. The Board has remanded these issues due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected diabetes and posttraumatic stress disorder was denied as his disabilities do not meet the required percentage requirements, and he is likely unemployable due to nonservice-connected physical problems.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened, and the evidence supports a finding of in-service stressors. Service connection is granted for PTSD. The claim for lymph gland disorder was not addressed as it does not appear to be related to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it was incurred during his active duty in Vietnam.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining records from the San Diego VAMC and Western New York Healthcare System. The case will be further reviewed to determine if she meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case to consider his claims for an increased evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder and a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The case will be reviewed with consideration of new evidence, including a Vet Center report from October 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and heart disease, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran to be examined in order to determine if his acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service. The claim will be reconsidered based on the examination results.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claims.

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

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including providing VCAA notice regarding personal assault claims and obtaining additional medical records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his behaviors in service are consistent with his claimed personal assaults and whether he has an acquired psychiatric disorder resulting from such.

The Veteran's PTSD causes significant social and occupational impairment, warranting a higher 70 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.