PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's depression is not related to his military service or directly due to his service-connected PTSD. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for depression.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 30 percent rating, and the Board finds that this evaluation adequately reflects his current level of disability.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation from November 21, 1989 to October 23, 2002.

The Veteran's initial claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent disabling for PTSD prior to August 30, 2004 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time before August 30, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder was rated at 70 percent from December 1, 1991 to August 1, 2005.

The Board has determined that there was clear and unmistakable error in the March 1987 rating decision denying service connection for PTSD. Service connection is granted effective from August 19, 1986.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms including depression and mood disturbances, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating from July 18, 2003, to April 30, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his fear of hostile military activity during his period of active duty, and the Board finds that service connection for PTSD should be granted. The issue of service connection for TBI is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, PTSD, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, and multiple diabetic neuropathies of the upper and lower extremities, are considered in determining his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The RO must obtain a supplemental opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD has been denied. The VA determined that the Veteran's PTSD is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, as evidenced by symptoms such as flattened affect, panic attacks more than once a week, difficulty understanding complex commands, and impaired short- and long-term memory.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 13, 2004. The RO also granted a TDIU from December 13, 2004 to February 22, 2008.

The Board has determined that there is no credible evidence of a service stressor, which is an essential element for a finding of service connection for PTSD. As such, the claim for service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA psychiatric examination and the issuance of an SOC on his diabetes mellitus claim.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy and elevated post-voiding residuals. The claim of PTSD was reopened but denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and a right knee disorder, both related to the Veteran's in-service injuries. Service connection was denied for residuals of a head injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression, PTSD, and somatoform disorder is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's symptoms most closely approximated a 50 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including verification of a reported in-service stressor and a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to the appellant's period of ACDUTRA.