PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD did not contribute to his death, and found that his death was due to natural progression of underlying cardiac disease.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was presented to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disability, but it is not granted as there is no medical evidence linking the current condition to service. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD remains granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including providing proper notice and obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD caused or contributed to his death.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50 percent prior to November 8, 2007. The Board granted a higher rating of 100 percent effective from April 9, 2007. The right varicocele issue remains unresolved.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is dismissed as the issue has been resolved by a grant of service connection for PTSD with depressive disorder, not otherwise specified.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the retrieval of pertinent medical records.

The Board has determined that an anxiety disorder not otherwise specified with PTSD features is related to the Veteran's service in Vietnam, and therefore grants service connection for this condition. However, no other psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are found to be related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and anxiety, is being remanded due to the need for an examination to determine the etiology of any current psychiatric disability. The examiner will also be asked to specify whether the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 9411. The disability results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board found service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorder) granted. However, the left hand disability claim was denied, as were the TDIU claims due to the left hand disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development, including a need for a VA psychiatric examination and review of additional records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective prior to November 30, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms met the criteria for a 50 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted and rated at 50 percent for the period from September 11, 2003 to September 22, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are credible and probative, and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to her military sexual trauma (MST) and granted service connection for this condition.

For the period from June 29, 2004 through January 10, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD was manifested by symptoms including suicidal ideation and depression. The disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,From January 11, 2007 onwards, the Veteran's PTSD was characterized by more severe symptoms such as sleep disturbances, intrusive memories of service, and avoidance of stimuli that triggered thoughts of Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to July 10, 2009 were denied as there was no evidence of unemployability due solely to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD and therefore denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder was granted, with the diagnosis being established based on evidence in his file at the date of death. The claim for melanoma remains denied.