PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that his condition does not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and related psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder and panic disorder with agoraphobia. The decision also grants entitlement to TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome were granted. The Veteran was assigned a 60 percent disability rating for his lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination and clarification of the relationship between his PTSD diagnosis and in-service stressors. The regulatory changes effective July 13, 2010, regarding verification of in-service stressors are also considered.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, bilateral elbow disability, and arthritis of the lower back were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for specially adapted housing and financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or adaptive equipment due to a lack of evidence showing loss of use of lower extremities, blindness in both eyes, or anatomical loss of use of hands.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, complete the development of his TDIU claim, and provide him with a new VA examination for PTSD.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify specific in-service stressors and determine the etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he did not wish to pursue the issues of service connection for malaria, Leishmaniasis, PTSD, residuals of asbestos exposure, glaucoma, special monthly pension (SMP), and a total rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination regarding his hypertension. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and service connection for hypertension are also being remanded.

PTSD, depression and alcohol abuse were initially rated at 30 percent prior to August 4, 2009. On or after that date, the Veteran's PTSD, depression and alcohol abuse are now rated at 50 percent.,The Veteran's PTSD, depression and alcohol abuse have not met criteria for a higher rating since August 4, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, back pain secondary to PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The claim for left knee disorder was previously denied. The Veteran's increased rating claims have also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the lack of VA treatment records from his current provider, which are under VA control and should be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected conditions require regular aid and attendance of another person or entitle him to benefits at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted as it is related to his service in the Republic of Vietnam, and he has provided credible testimony about his experiences.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. A new VA examination is also required.

The Veteran's claim for payment of services provided by Florida Hospital Fish Memorial on June 26, 2007 is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to a stressor based on 'fear of hostile military or terrorist activity' as defined by VA regulations.