PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since September 30, 1993 and 70 percent since November 18, 1997. The Board granted a 100 percent rating for PTSD effective from the day after separation from service (September 30, 1993), which effectively grants the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for both the higher ratings and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The claim was reopened based on the submission of new and material evidence.

The VA medical opinion found that the Veteran's bilateral pneumonia was less likely as not related to any service-connected disability or disabilities, and concluded that his death is also less likely as not related to hypertension or heart disease. The Board therefore denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no credible evidence of in-service personal assault or hostile environment stressors. The pre-existing conditions were not shown to be aggravated by service.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to December 7, 2009, and at 70 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied as the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed stressor is not credible or verifiable, and thus service connection for PTSD cannot be granted. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD will be remanded to obtain a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no verified stressor that would support a clinical diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection, with a rating of 30 percent effective November 1, 2004. The symptoms included occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for entitlement to service connection for PTSD based on new regulations, and to assess any acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that there is a need for further development of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and VA medical opinions regarding his psychiatric conditions and employment status.

The July 28, 1983 rating decision granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 10 percent evaluation without considering entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The appeal is denied as there was no clear and unmistakable error in the decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions have been granted, with a noncompensable evaluation assigned for bilateral pes planus as of August 3, 2009.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports a finding that his current PTSD is due to an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's dermatophytosis has been primarily manifested by recurring rashes affecting approximately 5 percent of his body, including the feet, axillae, groin, penis, armpit, and back. The RO granted service connection for dermatophytosis with a noncompensable rating prior to June 11, 2007, and increased it to 10 percent beginning June 11, 2007.

The Veteran's service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and PTSD has been granted. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for his left knee disability and 30 percent for his PTSD.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for PTSD and TDIU, finding that these issues are not properly before the Board due to the finality of previous rating decisions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as consideration of his testimony regarding worsening PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for PTSD is being remanded due to inadequate records and the need for updated VA outpatient treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disability, including anxiety disorder and PTSD. The appellant's testimony supports his current diagnosis of PTSD as related to in-service military training.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous VA psychiatric examination.