PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need to consider the recent change in regulations regarding fear of hostile military or terrorist activity as a stressor. The VA examiner will determine if any acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is present and its relationship to his period of military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records from Lexington VAMC. A psychiatric examination is also required to determine if any diagnosed PTSD or other psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD has been productive of occupational and social impairment with depression, difficulty sleeping, intrusive thoughts, irritability, and isolative behavior; however, there has not been any indication of illogical, obscure or irrelevant speech, near-continuous panic or depression, spatial disorientation, or an inability to establish and maintain effective relationships. As such, the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by mild symptoms prior to July 8, 2010 and reduced reliability and productivity as of July 8, 2010. The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD prior to July 8, 2010 was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to uncertainty regarding the Veteran's service in Chu Lai, Vietnam, and his reported stressors. The Veteran is asked to provide any supporting evidence such as 'buddy' statements or VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD disability has been found to be manifested by total occupational and nearly total social impairment, warranting a 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to September 2, 2008 and granted a higher rating of 50 percent from that date forward.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected PTSD with depression is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right hip and knee disability, psychiatric disabilities (including PTSD), sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal disorder, and hemorrhoids. The decision found that these conditions were not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction was withdrawn.,New and material evidence has been submitted, reopening the Veteran's claims of service connection for a psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depressive disorder) and hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of his current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has not manifested through impaired memory, communication, affect, thought processes, judgment, delusions, panic attacks, hallucinations, homicidal thoughts, or inappropriate behavior. The evidence indicates some social relationships but limited social functioning.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his reported stressors are deemed credible and verified, and the medical evidence shows a diagnosis of PTSD related to these in-service stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent from December 27, 2005, and in excess of 50 percent from August 17, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible evaluation of 100 percent, reflecting total social and occupational impairment.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and paranoid schizophrenia, did not manifest during or as a result of his military service, and the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been productive of a disability picture that more nearly approximates occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, including work, interpersonal relations, and mood. The Board finds that the criteria for a disability rating of 70 percent have been met at all times during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for another VA psychiatric examination and consideration of lay evidence regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right leg neuropathy, and respiratory disorder have been denied.