PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of service connection for a left elbow condition, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and an effective date earlier than June 24, 2005 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against her claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, right inguinal orchiectomy, and heart disease have all been granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD results in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for cause of death due to new and material evidence. The Veteran's PTSD is found to have played a substantial role in his death from a motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD from 10 percent to 30 percent has been granted. However, the current 30 percent rating is being remanded due to inadequate examination and failure to provide proper notice.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is found to be due to service stressors and granted. However, the right upper extremity disability (right wrist) is not considered secondary to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis was denied as there is no current evidence of a disability related to the condition in service. The claims for PTSD and tinnitus are remanded due to the need for medical examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since September 23, 2005. The rating is based on the current manifestations of his condition without any presumption or reopening due to new evidence.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary due to changes in VA regulations and the need for a comprehensive psychiatric examination. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by significant occupational and social impairment, primarily due to problems with anger, depression, and difficulty in interacting with others. The Board finds that a rating of 70 percent for PTSD is warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 9411.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD results in serious impairment of social and occupational functioning, including suicidal ideation, near-continuous depression, unprovoked irritability with periods of violence, difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances, and an inability to establish effective relationships. The RO has granted a higher initial rating from the effective date of service connection.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board determined that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or paranoid schizophrenia, and there was no evidence linking these conditions to service. The claims were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran experienced a fear of hostile military activity during service, witnessed or was confronted with incoming artillery, small arms fire, and motor fire while serving aboard the USS Monmouth County (LST 1032), which is consistent with the circumstances of his service. The Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is medically related to his in-service stressor event.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board finds that his disability picture does not warrant a higher evaluation as he does not meet the criteria for a 50 percent or higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating for this disability. The symptoms described are consistent with a 30 percent evaluation under the criteria for evaluating psychiatric impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, including Major Depression. The evidence did not establish that the Veteran engaged in combat or provided credible supporting evidence for his claimed stressors.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and other mental health conditions. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported in-service stressors related to fear of hostile military activity during his time in Vietnam.