PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional medical records. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board found that there was clear and unmistakable error in the May 1998 rating decision that denied an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD. The Veteran's claim to reopen service connection for PTSD was received on August 11, 1992, but the correct law under 38 C.F.R. § 3.156(c) should have been applied, allowing for reconsideration based on newly discovered service department records from the U.S. Army & Joint Services Environmental Support Group (JSRRC). The effective date of the award should be retroactive to the date of receipt of the original claim for PTSD in September 7, 1984.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding stressor verification and additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression should be remanded due to insufficient information provided by the RO regarding stressor verification. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination to determine if he has an acquired psychiatric disability related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are also being addressed.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol abuse is manifested by some suicidal ideation, significant occupational impairment, impaired memory, alcohol abuse, mood disturbances, and GAF scores between 40 and 49. The criteria for an initial 50 percent rating have been met.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is granted as it is related to his service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran suffers from PTSD due to an in-service stressor or fear of hostile military activity.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. However, further development is needed to determine whether the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in service, but the Board granted service connection for PTSD based on credible supporting evidence of a stressor during his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of total occupational and social impairment, warranting a rating of 100 percent.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, but the appellant is seeking DIC benefits under a different provision of law. The Board finds that the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 have not been met.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development and consideration, including obtaining verification of stressors for PTSD and examining the Veteran's skin disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD. The Veteran's mental health symptoms during and after service are supported by his own testimony, the testimony of lay witnesses, and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to January 16, 2009 and is now rated as 50 percent effective from September 26, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining service personnel records and conducting VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD based on confirmed in-service stressors and a diagnosis consistent with DSM-IV.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain medical records from Life Care Center and University Medical Center, where the Veteran received treatment following his fall. The case is then remanded for an advisory opinion on whether any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were factors in causing or contributing to his death.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and granted service connection for PTSD, finding that new evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service.