PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was not incurred or aggravated due to service and the evidence does not support a presumption of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and the Board has granted a TDIU benefit.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was denied as there is no credible evidence of an in-service stressor that conforms to the DSM-IV criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent rating prior to October 15, 2008; an increased 70 percent (but no higher) from October 15, 2008 to September 7, 2010; and 50 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease, as well as a psychiatric disorder other than posttraumatic stress disorder, are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Further development is needed including VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors are sufficient to cause his current psychiatric symptoms and whether any diagnosed psychiatric disorder is related to service. The claim will be reconsidered based on this additional evidence.

The Veteran is granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Board finds that the Veteran's reported stressors are consistent with her documented active duty service and establishes a diagnosis of PTSD related to her World War II experiences.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, including PTSD, hypertension, and rectal bleeding. The claims will be reviewed based on the results.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating for dental disability. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for this purpose.

The Veteran died from senile dementia, Alzheimer's type. The cause of death is not service-connected and the claim for DIC benefits under section 1318 was remanded due to incomplete records and need for a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and providing a new opinion regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD contributed to his death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to obtain pertinent VA treatment records and an appropriate VA examination. The case will be readjudicated based on all evidence of record.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for PTSD and found that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his in-service experiences, including combat in Vietnam.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for PTSD, and remanded the underlying claim on the merits for additional development.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability rating, and he is also entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with anxious and depressed mood is productive of mild occupational and social impairment due to moderate symptoms such as nightmares, sleep disturbance, intrusive memories, exaggerated startle response, hypervigilance, avoidance behavior, a slight decrease in abstract thinking, and depression. The criteria for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Schizophrenic Reaction, is before the Board again after previous denials. The case requires further development to address new evidence of personal assault stressors and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected psychiatric disability and consideration of whether he is unemployable due to this condition.

The Veteran's overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount of $10,186.40 is waived due to fault on both his and VA's part, undue hardship caused by repayment, and failure to take into account significant functional impairment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient examination and diagnostic testing regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.