PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70 percent for the period prior to September 25, 2000. The issue of service connection for a back disorder is still pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and PTSD service connection claims for further development, including obtaining a VA opinion regarding the initial onset of his diabetes mellitus and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently-diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, the minimum rating for this condition. The VA examiner found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he does not have significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as depression, poor sleep, nervousness, hypervigilance, nightmares, and flashbacks resulting in reduced reliability in social and occupational functioning. The Board finds that the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied initially, but a March 2011 rating decision granted service connection for an anxiety disorder based on the verified stressor events and current symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been rated at a 50 percent disability rating since August 2004, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current level of impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a claim was filed prior to April 18, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as depression and PTSD, is related to his active service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), a dental condition, and a bilateral eye disorder. The remaining claims were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and a gastrointestinal disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining unit histories, VA treatment records, and Social Security Administration records.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a relationship between the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder and his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's allegations of an in-service stressor were not credible and there was no corroborating evidence. The Board concluded that a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has granted the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that the appellant's currently diagnosed PTSD is linked to an in-service stressor.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and hypertension. However, further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's reported stressors are credible and to obtain any relevant VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since December 15, 2007. The rating is based on symptoms such as impaired sleep, poor family relationships, slow speech, memory deficits, and two to three panic attacks per month.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the issues of entitlement to a higher rating for PTSD and service connection for cervical spine disorder have been granted.,Service connection has been established for the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining outstanding medical records.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the appellant's claim for service connection for PTSD and MDD. The case is REMANDED for a VA mental disorders/PTSD examination.

The Board has determined that the termination of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was improper, as it had not been in effect long enough to warrant a reduction. The Veteran's disability remains severe enough to require such benefits.