PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since August 15, 2003. Since March 2, 2011, the rating is increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 70 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the August 24, 1989 rating decision contained clear and unmistakable error in assigning a 30 percent rating for PTSD. The Veteran's initial ritual during service caused severe psychological trauma, leading to ongoing harassment from fellow service members and inability to perform duties effectively. As such, an initial 50 percent rating is assigned effective July 12, 1989.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart disease was granted based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for an earlier effective date for the PTSD rating increase was denied as no evidence showed an increase in disability prior to August 24, 2005.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's long-time treating physician, Dr. Renner, has provided a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and his TDIU claim is pending. The effective date of the grant of service connection for PTSD remains April 19, 2002.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of his claim under the amended version of the regulation governing service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, conduct a new VA examination for PTSD, and determine the effect of his alcohol abuse on his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD is not productive of occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 30, 1995, for the grant of a 100 percent evaluation for service-connected PTSD with history of psychoneurosis and anxiety reaction with depressive disorder is dismissed.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date prior to February 8, 1980 for the grant of service connection for PTSD is dismissed because the July 2005 Board decision addressing this issue is final.

The Veteran seeks service connection for depression and PTSD, which she claims are related to her military service. The case is being remanded due to the need to verify her service in Saudi Arabia during the Persian Gulf War and to conduct a VA examination to determine if her current psychiatric disabilities are related to fear of hostile military activity.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted and assigned a 30 percent rating, effective from June 26, 2008. The current symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, trouble sleeping, depression, irritability, difficulty socializing, problems controlling anger and aggressive behavior, anxiety, concentration issues, and possible auditory hallucinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was originally denied in 1997 due to lack of verified stressors. The claim was reopened and granted effective from March 31, 1997.

The Veteran died from cancer of the colon, with service-connected PTSD contributing to his overall health and well-being. The Board finds that a VA opinion is needed to determine if PTSD caused or contributed substantially to the cause of death.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent, effective June 8, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is linked to in-service stressors related to his fear of hostile military action during his service in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, lumbosacral strain, and left ankle strain are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence including VA treatment records and SSA disability determination.

The Board has remanded the case due to new medical evidence submitted by the Veteran and additional development is required.