PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD related to any in-service stressors and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Board has determined that a depressive disorder had its onset in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, a right eye disability, and a pulmonary disability were denied. The claim for service connection for residuals of tonsillectomy was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for skin rash, left hand pain, left shoulder pain, eye disorder, allergic rhinitis, residuals of spontaneous pneumothorax, and PTSD were all denied. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea was granted.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD. The Veteran engaged in combat during his tour of duty in Vietnam, which is sufficient to establish a stressor without needing additional corroboration. Therefore, the Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his military service.

The case is being remanded to the RO for consideration of the amended regulations governing service connection for PTSD and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a change in regulations regarding service connection for PTSD, and will also review the claim for secondary service connection of a heart disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent initial rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD. The claim will be re-adjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for his acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, as secondary to his service-connected low back and neck disabilities. The case has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorders are related to military service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD and depression, and for nonservice-connected pension benefits are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a bilateral eye disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current acquired psychiatric disorders. The low back disorder issue remains pending.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Depressive Disorder is granted due to an in-service sexual assault.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal regarding the initial ratings for PTSD, migraine and tension headaches, low back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, bipolar disorder and intermittent explosive disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the issue of service connection for PTSD can be reviewed on its merits. This includes a JSRRC search to verify combat-related stressors, and a VA examination to assess the Veteran's psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within one year after separation. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claims, and that the claim must be denied.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was rated at 70 percent from April 7, 2006 to May 4, 2008.