PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need to verify stressors associated with his claims. The RO must request additional information from the Veteran regarding specific incidents that may have contributed to his current conditions, such as a friend committing suicide by jumping overboard during service or frequent incoming enemy fire on his ship.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, low back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), and bilateral hearing loss were denied. The claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left patellar tendon rupture was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, effective prior to December 1, 2006. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as flattened affect, impaired judgment, and difficulty in establishing and maintaining effective relationships.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 30 percent since April 2, 2009. The VA examiner found that the impairment from the Veteran's PTSD most nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability is service-connected and rated at 10 percent.,Tinnitus is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 6260.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50 percent prior to June 1, 2004 and at 70 percent from June 1, 2004 through October 29, 2009. The appeal is denied as the current ratings are appropriate.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD was not incurred or aggravated in service and denied her claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is denied as there is no current diagnosis of such a condition.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100% disability rating, the highest available. The issue of service connection for peripheral neuropathy was withdrawn by the Veteran through his attorney.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD is service-connected based on credible supporting evidence of a personal assault in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, adjustment disorder, and mood disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development, specifically a new VA examination to determine the etiology of all diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected schizoaffective disorder, depressed type is currently rated at 50 percent since June 9, 2010. The RO has also granted service connection for PTSD.

The Board found that the appellant's acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, are not shown to have been incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The evidence supports a link between these conditions and military service, specifically exposure to Scud missile attacks during the Gulf War.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the appellant is the Veteran's surviving spouse and whether his service-connected conditions contributed substantially or materially to cause death. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent from May 13, 2010 and 70 percent from May 21, 2008 through May 12, 2010. The claim for a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected as it meets all criteria for a grant of service connection, including diagnosis, in-service stressor confirmation, and continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which has been granted special monthly compensation.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported stressors are credible and consistent with his service. The diagnosis of PTSD is linked to these verified in-service events.