PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a personality disorder and PTSD. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a personality disorder, as it is not a disability subject to VA compensation benefits. For PTSD, the Board determined that there was no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor and thus could not establish service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right eye blindness and PTSD, finding no evidence of a chronic right eye disorder or PTSD related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and hypertension, have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it. Service connection is also granted for hypertension, but not for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, right shoulder, left shoulder, trembling of the right hand, or loss of memory.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment prior to January 24, 2006. From January 24, 2006, there is no evidence of gross impairment in thought processes or persistent delusions/hallucinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and a higher disability evaluation for PTSD, as well as his claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU. The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased rating for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, muscle spasms, impotence, and skin disease. The claims for memory loss, headaches, joint pain, and a respiratory disorder were also denied as new and material evidence was not received.

The Board has determined that the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection of PTSD and depression, with the stressors involving plane crash victims at Altus AFB in 1964 and witnessing his father shoot and kill his mother during service. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to these service-connected stressors.

The Board has determined that there is a need to verify the Veteran's reported stressors and obtain additional service treatment records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his period of service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and issues with development of evidence. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being reviewed, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The Board also found that the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD, thus granting the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence. The Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder is pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran served in a location involving 'hostile military or terrorist activity' and, if so, whether the claimed stressors are related to this service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied PTSD service connection is remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant VA treatment records and providing VCAA notice.

The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted with an effective date of April 1, 2006. The Board found that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities as of April 1, 2006.

The Board has reopened the claim for PTSD and denied service connection due to lack of a confirmed diagnosis. The Veteran's other claims are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD or Adjustment Disorder due to service. His Adjustment Disorder is attributed to an unrelated event, and his PTSD claim lacks the required DSM-IV diagnosis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is related to his military service events and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VCAA notice and consideration of the issues related to his PTSD rating and TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for clarification regarding his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected PTSD. A new VA examination will be scheduled to determine this.