PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his right symphysis pubis fracture have been granted. The effective date is not specified, as the RO has yet to assign a specific effective date.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for left shoulder bursitis was denied prior to July 21, 2009. However, his claim for an increased evaluation from that date has been granted.,PTSD was initially granted with a 50 percent evaluation.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The appeal is remanded to obtain VA medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including dysthymic disorder, anxiety disorder, and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine the current nature and etiology of any psychiatric disability, and whether the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active service. The issue remains pending.

The Veteran's unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on April 9, 2008 were not reimbursable because the treatment was not related to a service-connected disability and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for breathing and nasal problems, hearing loss with speech recognition problems, and skin problems. The claim for higher initial evaluation for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the evidence. The issues are whether he should receive an increased rating for PTSD and if he qualifies for TDIU.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, family relations, thinking, and mood. The Board finds that these symptoms warrant a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have hypertension during service or within one year thereafter, and there is no evidence of a current disability related to his military service. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining complete treatment records from the Reno Vet Center and a VA examination to assess his PTSD symptoms and their impact on employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected due to a verified in-service stressor.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD attributable to service. Additionally, a right upper extremity injury was acute and resolved without residuals prior to separation.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for PTSD was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision.,The claim of reopening and granting service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, scheduling a VA examination, and notifying the Veteran of the consequences of failing to report for an examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have a confirmed in-service stressor for PTSD, and therefore service connection is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, to include on an extra-schedular basis pursuant to 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b). The matter is being remanded for further development and consideration.