PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD symptomatology did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of more than 50 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for lumbosacral DDD and DJD is granted, with a current disability rating of 20 percent. The claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is also granted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD was denied in 2003 and is not being reopened.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus, which manifested years after separation, cannot be granted as it is not related to active service or any incident thereof.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service experiences, including a motor vehicle accident and fear of chemical warfare. The evidence supports this finding, with corroborated stressors and consistent diagnoses over time.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD, finding that the earliest possible effective date was February 24, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and PTSD, finding no evidence of a current disability related to service or the Vietnam era.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and major depressive disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain earlier treatment records, provide notice regarding evidence that may corroborate an alleged in-service personal assault, and schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD was denied. The Board found that the current 50 percent disability rating adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms, which include depression and hypervigilance.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with chronic depression and social anxiety (claimed as an adjustment disorder), was found to be incurred in service due to fear of hostile military or terrorist activity during his service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The diagnoses of other conditions are also not linked to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to her service-connected disabilities, which render her incapable of protecting herself from daily life hazards.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the lack of verification of an in-service stressor. The case will be reviewed and a psychiatric examination will be scheduled if the stressor is verified.

The Board has found clear and unmistakable error in the November 1960 decision that severed service connection for psychoneurosis, and restored it. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder is moot as the benefit requested (restoration of service connection) has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric conditions are linked to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD and related gunshot wounds have been granted a 100% rating, effective as of the date of his claim. The Board also granted an earlier effective date for the increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if she requires aid and attendance as a result of her service-connected PTSD. The appeal will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the diagnosis and causation of his PTSD, as well as the need to fully develop the personal assault stressor claim in accordance with VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.