PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to a lack of unit records and because of recent regulatory changes regarding PTSD claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for PTSD. However, he is granted service connection for depression and anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether PTSD contributed to the Veteran's cause of death, and if so, whether it was service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of a specific stressor and an examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating required for non-service connected pension benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since September 12, 2005. He is also service-connected for ischemic heart disease and tinnitus. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development and a video conference hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD based on the Veteran's reported combat-related stressors and a diagnosis of PTSD by a VA psychiatrist.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by an accident, and not due to his service-connected conditions. However, as he had been rated totally disabled for over five years prior to his death, the claimant is entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 70 percent for service-connected PTSD has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the appeal.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, related to his service in Korea. The claim is being remanded due to the lack of available service treatment records and personnel files, which may affect the determination of whether the claimed stressors are consistent with his service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and other associated psychiatric disorders (other than PTSD) are attributable to service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of his appeal. He is also granted entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not demonstrate symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess his current PTSD symptoms and their impact on his social and industrial adaptability. The Veteran testified about worsening PTSD symptoms, including panic attacks, sleep problems, loss of motivation, difficulty concentrating, avoidance of crowds, nightmares, low energy, irritability, anger outbursts, and depression.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for exposure to herbicides, cardiac disability (secondary to PTSD), residuals of a cold weather injury to the feet, skin disability, and prostate disability were all denied. The claim for service connection for PTSD resulted in an initial rating of 30%.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by chronic sleep disturbance, hypervigilance and irritability which most nearly approximate occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks. With resolution of reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, the criteria for an initial disability rating of 30 percent, but not higher, for PTSD have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his chronic sleep apnea and PTSD.