PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to his failure to attend a scheduled Travel Board hearing. His claims for service connection and evaluations are pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since April 23, 2005. The RO granted a higher rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, to include depression are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional treatment records.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD, left ear hearing loss, and hypertension were denied. Service connection for right ear hearing loss was not addressed as it is not part of the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in serious social impairment with deficiencies in areas such as family relations, judgment, thinking and mood due to impairment of mood and affect, social isolation, occasional homicidal thoughts, anger, panic attacks, sleep impairment, and depression. The Board found that the criteria for a 70 percent evaluation were met from November 9, 2006, forward.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, as evidenced by symptoms such as depression, intrusive thoughts, hallucinations, difficulty with work and social relationships, suicidal ideation, and nightmares. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation are met.

The Board has reopened the appellant's previously denied claim of service connection for a nasal disorder and granted it. The appeal in regards to posttraumatic stress disorder was also granted due to the evidence showing combat experience and credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to afford the Veteran a VA examination with a VA psychiatrist or psychologist to determine if his PTSD is related to an in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the appellant's PTSD or bipolar disorder is related to inservice asthma complaints.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and SSA disability determination information. The Veteran will be provided a psychiatric examination to determine if his current psychiatric conditions are related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, the highest available rating under VA guidelines for this disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disability of anxiety disorder is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, which includes PTSD and anxiety, not otherwise specified, based on a verified in-service stressor. The Veteran's symptoms have been shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive disorder. The decision is based on a finding that his PTSD is related to his fear of hostile military activity during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent evaluation, the highest available under VA rating criteria for PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disorder including posttraumatic stress disorder and depressive disorder, finding that the Veteran's lay testimony alone may establish the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 100 percent effective July 27, 2009 and remains at that rating. The claim for TDIU is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is based on a stressor related to fear of hostile military activity during his service.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity for the period from February 8, 2007 through August 19, 2009.