PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and PTSD have been reopened, but the evidence does not support granting these claims.

The Board has decided that further development is needed due to the Veteran's allegations of PTSD being related to service, and requests for records from his units in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disability including somatization disorder and PTSD, and thus the Veteran's claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting new examinations for his left knee disability and PTSD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The claim will now be reviewed on its merits.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for PTSD and whether it is at least as likely as not related to his service or fear of hostile military activity. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for PTSD with depression. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional evidence and readjudicate the issue.

The Veteran's PTSD is not manifested by symptomatology resulting in social and occupational impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, thus the claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD has been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, the minimum rating required for a higher evaluation. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant an increased rating as they are consistent with the current 50 percent rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is causally related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and depression, remains pending as it was not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression and anxiety is currently rated at 50 percent, effective December 17, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an RO hearing. The appellant's claim of service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board has determined that a remand is required to allow for further development of the record, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a new psychiatric examination.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD based on the Veteran's in-service personal assault, and found that he did not have a current psychiatric disability as the result of a disease or injury in service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is granted. The issue of a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are linked to in-service personal assault. The other claims were remanded back to the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, reflecting moderate symptoms such as depressed mood and occasional panic attacks.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by difficulty sleeping, depression, suicidal ideation without plan or intent, anxiety, social isolation, avoidance, irritability, panic attacks, hypervigilance and an inability to adapt to stressful circumstances. The criteria for a 70 percent evaluation have been met.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and a skin disorder of the hands and feet was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD, and there is no evidence linking any current skin condition to service or presumed exposure to herbicide agents.