PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss, PTSD, and major depressive disorder are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and is now considering whether new evidence supports a grant of benefits.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent from September 19, 2005 to July 10, 2006, and 50 percent thereafter is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the acquisition of relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which reflects the severity of his symptoms and impairment. The Board found that the current rating adequately captures the Veteran's disability picture.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder as there was no current diagnosis of the condition and the Veteran did not serve in combat or have a fear of hostile military activity. The evidence showed that he had alcohol-related issues during service but no other diagnosed mental health conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and ensure compliance with VA procedures.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection for PTSD is granted due to credible evidence of his in-service traumatic events and current diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as intrusive recollections, nightmares, irritability, hyperstartle response, hypervigilance and avoidant behavior. The Board finds that the evidence supports a 50 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Board has expanded the Veteran's claim to encompass all psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. The case is REMANDED for a VA psychiatric examination and additional development of records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of October 1, 1980. The decision acknowledges the Veteran's symptoms dating back to his time in service and prior VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not engage in combat and there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Alzheimer's disease, are denied as service connection cannot be established due to lack of verified in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD is related to his service in Vietnam, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection for coronary artery disease and PTSD was granted, with an initial rating of 10 percent each. The RO also denied a higher rating for both conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 17, 2007. The Board finds that the disability picture most closely approximates a 70 percent evaluation based on occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to symptoms such as suicidal ideation, memory loss, and difficulty establishing effective relationships.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability, diagnosed as PTSD and depression, results in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas such as work, personal relations, and mood. The Board has granted a rating of 70 percent for the service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for clarification of the VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected PTSD and if it was aggravated by PTSD. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a psychiatric disability, including PTSD and schizophrenia, is being remanded due to the need for additional development. The Veteran failed to report for a VA examination scheduled in December 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of occupational impairment in determining whether he meets the criteria for a 70 or 100 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD to include an anxiety disorder is rated at 30 percent effective October 31, 2005. The rating for his generalized anxiety disorder with headaches remains at 10 percent from September 27, 2000 through October 30, 2005.