PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claim can be decided on its merits. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have worsened since his last VA examination in March 2006, and additional records are needed from the VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has resulted in total occupational impairment, warranting a 100 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 10 percent prior to April 15, 2010 and increased to 30 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the Veteran's symptoms most closely approximate a 50 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected as the evidence shows a diagnosis of PTSD, linked to his reported stressor of witnessing the crash of a helicopter gunship in Vietnam.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective February 12, 2008.,The Veteran's total disability evaluation on the basis of individual unemployability is granted effective August 2, 2007.

The Veteran is not rendered unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are currently rated at 30 percent, effective May 5, 2008. The claim for a TDIU prior to July 15, 2008 remains unresolved.

The Veteran's claim for an initial 10 percent evaluation for PTSD was granted, as the evidence supported a finding of occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms that decreased work efficiency during periods of significant stress.

The Board has determined that the case must be remanded to allow for a psychiatric examination and consideration of the Veteran's claims under recent changes in VA regulations regarding service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have improved and do not cause occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board found no evidence of a verified stressor related to service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lung cancer and sleep disorder/sleep apnea were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a current diagnosis of lung cancer, and his sleep problems are related to PTSD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and other diagnoses. The case will be remanded for additional examination and readjudication.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than December 4, 1995 for TDIU benefits was denied as there was no prior claim filed before that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, with an effective date of January 14, 1983, based on the evidence showing symptoms consistent with PTSD dating back to at least 1980.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his claimed stressors occurred during combat service and are related to his current condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other acquired psychiatric disability related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to August 22, 2006 is denied as the evidence does not show she was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent disabling, effective July 5, 2007. He also meets the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.