PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that further development of the record, including a VA psychiatric examination, is required to properly adjudicate this claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed PTSD and depression were not service-connected due to lack of verification of in-service stressors, and no other evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) and a left inguinal hernia. The Veteran was not granted any new or material evidence to reopen his previously denied claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective October 20, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 7, 2004. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected PTSD and other disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, and his claim to reopen a stomach disorder claim was also granted. The Veteran now has service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since the grant of service connection, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD from May 20, 1997 onwards and denied a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to May 20, 1997. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was determined to be manifested by occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to obsessional rituals, depression, and difficulty adapting to stressful circumstances.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The evidence did not establish a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disorder and there was no credible supporting evidence that the claimed in-service stressor actually occurred.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is incurred in active service based on a verified military stressor.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inconsistencies in his service records and the need for clarification regarding his claimed service in Vietnam. The case will be reviewed again after further development, including a VA PTSD examination if necessary.

The Board has granted service connection for a dry eyes disorder. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right forefoot disorder, right knee disorder, and PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, as his physical limitations are primarily due to non-service-connected conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for five issues related to service connection and evaluations of various disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his alleged stressors and a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is productive of suicidal ideation without plan or intent, social isolation, irritability, difficulty establishing and maintaining effective relationships, insomnia, hallucinations, flashbacks, slight decrease in memory and excessive anger. The Veteran has been granted a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 100 percent, the highest possible rating, due to total occupational and social impairment caused by symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, illogical or irrelevant speech, near-continuous panic or depression, impaired impulse control, neglect of personal appearance and hygiene, and inability to adapt to stressful circumstances or maintain effective relationships.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment given his service-connected disabilities.