PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board found insufficient evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD, a skin disability (presumably due to herbicide exposure), low back and upper back disabilities, and traumatic arthritis. The diagnoses were not supported by credible supporting evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his combat experiences in Vietnam are sufficient to cause his PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's claimed in-service stressors have been verified, and his PTSD has been diagnosed based on these verified stressors. The Board finds that the criteria for service connection for PTSD have been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizophrenia, and adjustment disorder with depressed mood, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD and chronic depression are service-connected due to in-service stressors, with the PTSD being linked to sexual trauma and physical assault.

PTSD was rated at 30 percent from June 19, 2006 to July 19, 2007 and increased to 100 percent since then.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for TDIU prior to July 19, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD, as his current diagnosis is supported by medical evidence and his reported in-service stressors are consistent with his military service. The Veteran's symptoms have been medically linked to these stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of his claim for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen her claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other mental conditions. The evidence submitted was found not new or material.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, finding that his symptoms are related to his combat experiences in Vietnam and granting him this benefit. The issue of reopening his previously denied claim for an acquired psychiatric condition is also resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD and a higher disability rating was granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection is set at February 21, 2001, and the effective date for the increased rating remains to be determined as it falls within the one-year period prior to the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination of his service-connected PTSD, as he has not been rescheduled for one since September 2008. The current severity and impact on social and industrial impairment must be assessed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance, finding that no new claims were filed prior to September 26, 2001.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Depression, is being remanded due to the need for further development of his claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim for an increased initial disability evaluation for PTSD can be adjudicated.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for appropriate examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service in Vietnam exposed him to wounded military personnel, leading to his current diagnosis of PTSD. The claim is granted as the evidence supports a link between his service and his current condition.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board has dismissed the appeal due to this withdrawal.