PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD cannot be granted as there is no credible supporting evidence of a verified stressor and no medical diagnosis based on such verified stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to October 8, 2009; increased to 50 percent from October 8, 2009 to May 28, 2010; and further increased to 70 percent since then.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD that is causally related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in difficulties in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships without deficiencies in the areas of family relations, school, thinking or judgment. The criteria for an initial rating of 50 percent have been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and reopened the claim of service connection for a neurological disorder. The claims for left kidney cyst and adrenal mass have been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% and his degenerative disc disease with neural foraminal stenosis on the right at L5-S1 is rated at 20%. The radiculopathy of the left leg is rated at 10%. These ratings are granted.

The VA has granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent for PTSD prior to May 17, 2005. From May 17, 2005, to August 9, 2006, the VA has not granted any higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a PTSD examination. The issue of TDIU related to PTSD will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional treatment records. The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective July 11, 2007, based on his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that it was factually ascertainable as of this date that he could not obtain and/or maintain substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is related to an in-service accident involving a cinderblock thrown from an overpass. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and dislocation of the right fibula with recurring tendonitis are rated at their current levels. The left knee disability and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine have been remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected PTSD and obtaining treatment records from the Jackson VA Medical Center. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) has also been raised.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and jaundice is also denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors during his Vietnam service are consistent with fear of hostile military activity and have been confirmed by a VA psychologist. The Veteran is now entitled to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his service-connected PTSD with depression is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD in March 1997, finding that the Veteran did not engage in combat and therefore could not meet the criteria for service connection under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1154(b).