PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is denied as there was no prior claim or informal claim for PTSD before September 27, 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent due to symptoms that do not warrant total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation as they do not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective December 16, 2004. The Board has determined that a higher initial evaluation of 70 percent is warranted for the disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression and PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining credible supporting evidence of a stressor and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and PTSD was denied. The Board found no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other conditions that could support the claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since July 8, 2009. The appeal for an initial staged rating in excess of 30 percent prior to that date is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants an initial rating of 70 percent, effective November 10, 2004.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for PTSD was denied. The issue remains in controversy as the effective date of the increased rating is not addressed.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a stomach disability, and increased ratings for PTSD were denied. The left shoulder laceration scar was not rated compensably under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to a verified stressor experienced during his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining the Veteran's complete service personnel records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to address the nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, schizoid personality disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), needs further development. The case is being remanded to allow for additional examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by severe symptoms including depression, hallucinations, hypervigilance, and impairment in social relationships. The Board granted a 50 percent rating from March 24, 2006 to October 9, 2007, and a 70 percent rating thereafter.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to June 13, 2008 and denied for an increased evaluation. For the period from June 13, 2008, a 70 percent rating was granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since July 29, 2002. The Board finds that the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge sitting at the Cleveland RO. The Veteran's request for a hearing was not properly followed up, and he did not appear for the scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD was incurred in service due to a personal assault, while her anxiety disorder pre-existed service and was aggravated by pregnancy. Service connection for PTSD is granted, but service connection for an anxiety disorder is denied.