PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of PTSD was denied, and his claims for service connection of post-operative residuals of ulcerative colitis as secondary to PTSD were also denied.

The Board has awarded a 50 percent evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran's symptoms more closely approximate the criteria for this higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as the evidence supports a diagnosis of PTSD based on an in-service stressor involving exposure to oil during a fuel line incident aboard the U.S.S. America.

The VA has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and service connection for these conditions. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for his service-connected PTSD based on a claim of CUE in the December 1983 decision that severed service connection. The Board finds that there was clear and unmistakable error in the March 1983 rating decision granting service connection, as it did not follow guidance from VA DVB Circular 21-82-7 regarding PTSD claims.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and tinnitus disabilities are sufficient to render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for PTSD was denied, as the evidence showed that his symptoms were mild and did not result in significant occupational or social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining in-service treatment records and VA/privately obtained medical records. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and skin disorder are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for a new examination. The claims will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD is characterized by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 9411.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated medical records.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, alleging that he experienced stressful events in service. The Board has remanded the case due to recent guidance from the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims regarding the evidentiary standard for establishing the required in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent disability evaluation since June 24, 2008.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of stressors and a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a new VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's PTSD does not warrant a rating in excess of 70 percent, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development including verification of in-service stressors and obtaining VA and private medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, concluding that there was not sufficient evidence to corroborate his claimed stressors and their relationship to his military service.