PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities, and a total rating based on individual unemployability has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional development of his claims file, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability determination records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and his lumbar spine disability is not related to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a verified in-service stressor and the Veteran did not serve in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for PTSD and his claim of entitlement to TDIU due to new evidence indicating that his condition may have worsened since the last examination. The Veteran will be provided with a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current level of disability, and a general medical examination to assess whether his service-connected disabilities preclude him from following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further evidentiary development, including a VA psychiatric examination and consideration of an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current acquired psychiatric disorder that was incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's current PTSD is shown to be etiologically related to his active military service, and the claim for service connection has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and related conditions including anxiety disorder and major depression, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service stressors are sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms of nightmares, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, irritability, anxiety, depression, avoidance behavior, and general social isolation. The VA Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for a 70 percent rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, which was granted in June 2004.

The Board has determined that service connection for a hepatitis C infection is denied due to the late onset of symptoms and lack of evidence linking it to active service. The claim for PTSD remains pending as an additional examination is required.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability. After considering all the evidence, including the Veteran's testimony about his in-service accident and continuous post-service symptoms, the Board finds that the current back disabilities are etiologically linked to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent prior to October 31, 2005. From that date until November 17, 2005, the rating was increased to 70 percent. Since July 23, 2008, a higher initial rating of 30 percent has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral knee disorder, and low back disorder due to lack of evidence of a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at the highest schedular level of 70 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorders and hypertension.