PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating or TDIU had not been met prior to the specified dates.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since September 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression, finding that there was no current disability diagnosed in accordance with DSM-IV, credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor, or a link between current symptoms and any verified stressors. The diagnosis of PTSD is based on post-service treatment records rather than in-service events.

The Board found that there is no medical evidence showing a link between the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders and his military service, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD was consistently manifested by depression, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, anger, irritability, isolative behavior, panic attacks, neglect of personal hygiene, and impairment in establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD alone did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to April 5, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was received on May 14, 2001. The effective date of the award is set at May 14, 2001.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 10% prior to April 24, 2009, and increased to 30% effective from that date. The rating for the thoracolumbar spine disability remains at 10%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have diabetes mellitus, type II and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The issue of a higher initial rating for PTSD remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, due to a lack of corroborated in-service stressors and no evidence linking his current condition to his active duty.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have PTSD and did not meet the criteria for service connection. The Veteran's other service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for evaluations of PTSD and entitlement to service connection for a skin rash and dermatomyositis, to include as secondary herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since May 29, 2003. The claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal as to the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, migraine headaches, a back condition, and COPD. The decision found that there was no evidence of an onset in service or relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% disability rating for PTSD is denied as the evidence does not show that his PTSD warranted such a rating prior to October 27, 2004.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and SSA records. The Veteran's PTSD claim is also being considered in conjunction with his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that an increased evaluation beyond this rating was not warranted. The Veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) claim was also denied.