PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and for a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability. The issues of an initial rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD since March 1, 2008, and entitlement to TDIU are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to in-service stressors and/or any in-service assault, including a verified in-service assault.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD due to in-service stressors involving fear of terrorist activity. The other issues on appeal are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service and any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's original claim for service connection of PTSD was denied in November 1997 due to lack of a diagnosis and credible stressor. The effective date assigned is June 21, 2000, the date he filed to reopen his claim.

From September 20, 2006 until February 21, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD did not cause significant impairment in his ability to function.,From February 21, 2007 until April 11, 2007, the Veteran's PTSD caused reduced reliability and productivity but did not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board finds that the reduction of the Veteran's PTSD disability rating from 50% to 30% was not appropriate due to a lack of actual improvement in his ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD and found that new and material evidence has been presented. The VA psychiatrist diagnosed PTSD, but did not specify any particular stressor as the basis for this diagnosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that no basis existed under applicable law for such a determination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining more recent treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his PTSD and thoracolumbar spine strain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of August 22, 2008. The rating assigned is 30 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, effective April 12, 2007. The TDIU was restored and the Veteran remains unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding VA treatment records. The issues of an increased evaluation for PTSD and TDIU are also being remanded.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and confirming the Veteran's alleged in-service exposure to radiation or chemicals. The Veteran will also be afforded a new examination for his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was characterized by severe impairment in work and social functioning prior to February 2, 2010. The VA assigned a 30 percent initial rating for this period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, increased ratings for right and left shin splints were all denied. The Board found no credible evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric condition during the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was manifested by symptoms resulting in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a 70 percent rating from July 18, 2003, to April 30, 2009.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder is being remanded due to the need for a more contemporaneous examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder were denied. The claims for higher initial ratings for idiopathic edema of the left and right lower extremities were also denied.

The Board found no current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.