PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board has determined that this level of disability warrants a grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, employment information from his former employer, and a medical examination to determine if his service-connected PTSD alone renders him unemployable.

The Veteran died in August 2008 and had a 40% combined service-connected disability rating for several disabilities from March 1954. He filed claims for increased ratings and service connection, including PTSD, but did not have any pending claims at the time of his death. The appellant's claim for accrued benefits is denied as there were no entitlements to which he was entitled under existing ratings or decisions.

The Veteran's PTSD has been manifested by symptoms such as nightmares, insomnia, irritability, social isolation, panic attacks, impaired judgment, and occasional outbursts of anger. The Board finds that the criteria for a 50 percent rating are met, granting an initial 50 percent disability rating effective September 7, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms are currently moderate, resulting in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 50 percent rating have been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for a metal detector as part of his vocational rehabilitation program due to the lack of necessity and vital importance in achieving independent living goals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected and effective as of June 17, 1993. The Veteran was granted a retroactive evaluation of 100 percent for PTSD from November 1, 1993 to June 29, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD was not received until April 14, 2008. Therefore, the earliest possible effective date is granted as of that date.

The Veteran's treatment at a private hospital was not authorized by VA, and the Board finds that he could have been safely transferred to a VA facility after March 22, 2008. Therefore, payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess his service-connected PTSD and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The Board has remanded this matter to allow the RO to adjudicate whether the Veteran was entitled to an earlier effective date based on a presumption or other theory.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD due to traumatic events during his service in Vietnam. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including consideration of the new regulations and a VA C&P psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and obtaining relevant VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining VA treatment records. The issue of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include schizophrenia and PTSD, will be reconsidered under the amended version of 38 C.F.R. § 3.304(f).

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, was granted service connection based on new and material evidence. The claim for residuals of trauma to the face and jaw remains pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his self-reported history of multiple combat engagements is consistent with his military service and sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his service records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding the in-service stressor.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disorders, including PTSD, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The evidence did not establish a link between any diagnosed conditions and military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an initial disability rating higher than 30 percent for PTSD, finding that his service-connected PTSD is productive of anxiety, limited social relationships, anger, and irritability.