PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia and PTSD, did not begin in service or is otherwise related to his military service. The neurological disorder affecting both feet and toes also does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since October 15, 2007. The rating is based on the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran's appeals for reopening his PTSD claim and for a TDIU have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as constant feelings of depression and anguish, avoidance of military trauma-related stimuli, difficulty trusting others, and recurrent suicidal ideation. The VA examiner found the Veteran to have a GAF score of 55, indicative of moderate symptoms.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's migraine headaches are caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has decided to remand the case for further evaluation due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule the Veteran for a new psychiatric examination. The claims of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has granted the petition to reopen the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Board has received notification from the appellant that they wish to withdraw all issues on appeal, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and the evidence is in equipoise as to whether his service-connected conditions prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure a complete record for the Veteran's claim of an evaluation in excess of 50 percent disabling for PTSD. The case is therefore being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his fear of hostile military activity during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence linking his current condition to service. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and his PTSD claim was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating for either condition.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's PTSD has worsened, and a new VA examination was ordered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and verifying the claimed stressor related to SCUD missile attacks.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records from Social Security Administration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional information from the service department and VA's JSRRC. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a psychiatric examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to his military service.