PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms worsened significantly starting from September 8, 2004, warranting a 100% disability evaluation effective that date.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to the lack of credible evidence supporting an in-service stressor and current valid diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were denied, while his claim for an increased rating for the residual scar of left inguinal hernia was granted at a 10% disability level.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the diagnosed PTSD is related to his in-service stressor, which occurred during his active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD has not met the criteria for a higher initial evaluation in either of the specified periods.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a need for clarification on whether the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is related to service, specifically naval service. The claim will be reconsidered after this additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a higher initial rating of 50% effective August 20, 2010. His low back disability remains at 40%. The Board also found that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the validity of the Veteran's claims for PTSD and a heart disorder, including obtaining VA treatment records and examining the Veteran for PTSD.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for tinnitus and traumatic injury to right foot metatarsals 1 and 2 with chronic strain to include numbness of great toe. The appellant's PTSD was found to be 70 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection is inextricably intertwined with his other claims and must be remanded. The VA needs to ensure all necessary development, including obtaining private medical records from Tuscaloosa VAMC, has been completed.

The Board denied the appeal as the reduction of compensation benefits to 10 percent, effective April 24, 2006, due to incarceration for a felony conviction was proper.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The RO denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for chest scars and residuals of multiple rib fractures, but did not assign specific ratings.

The Veteran's PTSD prior to November 25, 2008 resulted in occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. The symptoms included depressed mood, anxiety, panic attacks (weekly or less often), chronic sleep impairment, and mild memory loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, OCD and PTSD, is related to his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination and additional treatment records, as his most recent VA examination was from 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and assigned a 50 percent evaluation, effective November 30, 2006. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence demonstrated symptoms consistent with a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to assess the severity of his PTSD and determine if he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied claims for service connection for depression with stress, heart disease, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The claim for residuals of left ankle injury was remanded due to a request for reconsideration.