PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 70 percent rating, but denied an increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder. The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have not caused total occupational and social impairment at any time during the initial rating period.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and determining whether they contain new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with alcohol dependence and major depressive disorder, has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment. The Board finds that a 70 percent disability rating is warranted for the entirety of this appeal.

The Board has determined that there is at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether the Veteran has an acquired psychiatric disorder related to service, specifically depression. As such, the claim for service connection for depression is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The PTSD is linked to in-service stressors involving fear of hostile military activity, while the hypertension is found to be at least as likely as not due to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's rhinitis is found to have manifested in service and has been chronic since discharge, granting service connection for the condition. Service connection for PTSD was denied.

PTSD was rated at 50% prior to August 8, 2007 and increased to 70% on and after that date.,The appellant experienced significant impairment in social functioning, including inability to work and maintain relationships.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA psychiatric examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected PTSD. The RO/AMC will also obtain all relevant VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, and speech impairment, warranting a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's PTSD with generalized anxiety disorder was initially rated at 30 percent prior to December 19, 2008 and increased to 50 percent from that date. The appeal is granted for the period prior to December 19, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and PTSD have been remanded due to inadequate evidence. The Board will require a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including additional examinations and consideration of the claims in light of new evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his in-service stressors are supported by credible evidence and the current disability is related to those stressors.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate records and a need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the cause of the Veteran's death is related to service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning. The Veteran's vertigo has not been found to meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently evaluated at a 50 percent rating, but the Board found that this level of disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.