PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for PTSD was granted, effective September 17, 2008. He also received a grant of TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits on August 27, 2005.,An earlier effective date is not warranted as the evidence does not show that the Veteran met the criteria for TDIU prior to August 27, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of PTSD and depression are related to her in-service sexual assaults, which qualifies as a fear of hostile military activity. The evidence supports this finding, including her own testimony and corroborating medical records.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and requesting further medical opinions.

The Veteran's case was remanded due to his incarceration and inability to attend a Travel Board hearing. The case is now back with the Board for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further factual development, including verification of an in-service stressor and examination to determine if the Veteran has posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The AOJ will also review all opinions provided.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since March 29, 2007, and the claim for a higher rating prior to that date remains denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and rated at 50 percent, effective November 17, 2009. The claim for TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is not shown to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent, and his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also denied.

The Veteran's current PTSD was incurred in active service and the Board has granted entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's sleep disability is considered a symptom of his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have an independent chronic sleep disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, judgment, thinking, and mood. The Board finds that his PTSD symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria for a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review, including an initial review of the Veteran's claim for service connection for depression as secondary to pain from service-connected disabilities. The RO must also consider all acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD based on reported stressors in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD and a nonspecific mood disorder is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressor, leading to service connection for PTSD. Additionally, the Board concludes that the nonspecific mood disorder is secondary to the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of the recent revisions to 38 C.F.R. � 3.304(f)(3).

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the claims for higher ratings for depressive disorder and fracture, left big toe are not granted. The claim for service connection for PTSD, low back disability, skin condition, headaches, gynecological problems, allergies, joint pain, and dental trauma are also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent, the maximum available rating. The Board also found that his hypertension is secondary to his PTSD and granted service connection for it.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as anxiety, depression and PTSD, finding that his account of in-service stressors is credible and related to his current symptoms. The diagnosis of PTSD was linked to his confirmed in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and Depressive Disorder. The examination should determine if these conditions are related to service.