PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD or any other psychiatric disability recognized for VA service-connected compensation benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to August 1, 2007 and at 70 percent from August 1, 2007. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in either period.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current psychiatric diagnoses.

The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to June 13, 2006 for PTSD service connection and a rating in excess of 40 percent for partial paralysis of the left lower radicular group are being remanded due to the presence of CUE in previous rating decisions. The issues related to CUE will be addressed by the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the existence and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was manifested by symptoms such as flat affect, circumstantial speech, flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, hypervigilance, and depressed mood. The VA examiner assigned a GAF score of 60, which corresponds to the current 50 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected PTSD, which he used to self-medicate through smoking. The Board finds that the positive and negative evidence is in relative equipoise, granting service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board finds that the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD should be March 5, 1985, as this is when the Veteran's claim was first submitted and there is evidence supporting a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right knee disorder, an upper left leg disorder, PTSD, acquired psychiatric disability (other than PTSD), and a sleep disorder. The claim for a right femur fracture with post-traumatic arthritis claimed as hip bursitis was also denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since May 25, 2006. The appeal is granted for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent from August 24, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and determined that new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the claim. The issue is now on remand for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 25, 2006, for service connection of PTSD is denied as there is no doubt to be resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD is productive of serious symptomatology which can be said to preclude employability for at least part of the time period in question, and thus grants a TDIU.

The Board found that the reduction of the PTSD rating from 70 percent to 50 percent was not proper, and the discontinuance of TDIU was also not proper.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records, including Vet Center treatment records. The claims for higher ratings for PTSD and diabetes are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are consistent with his service and have been medically related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have also been medically related to his reported in-service stressors, thus granting service connection for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active military service. The claim for depression is also granted as part of this decision.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are related to his service in Vietnam. Additionally, a VA examination is required to assess whether the Veteran requires aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and coronary artery disease did not render him unemployable prior to January 1, 2003. The Board found that the effective date for his TDIU should be set at January 1, 2003.