PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent disabling, effective from May 29, 2005. The Board finds that the symptoms associated with the Veteran's service-connected PTSD more closely approximate a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Veteran also requested a higher initial disability evaluation for PTSD, but the Board found that the evidence did not support such a rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, left lower extremity venous thrombophlebitis, high cholesterol, hernia, edema, heart disability (presumably referring to heart disease), and hypertension have been withdrawn. The Board also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for psychiatric disability, claimed as depression and PTSD, due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current conditions and active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine the severity of his PTSD and whether he qualifies for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of his PTSD and headaches. The claim for a TDIU will be held in abeyance pending adjudication of the increased rating claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that it more closely approximates a 70 percent rating based on occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot ulcers, left foot ulcers, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus were denied. The Veteran's claim for hypertension was pending as it is secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. His claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss disability and left ear hearing loss disability were both denied. His claim for tinnitus was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and denied service connection for fibromyalgia. The Veteran's PTSD is presumed to be due to military sexual trauma during service in the Southwest Asia Theater of operations. IBS is presumed to be related to service in the Gulf War. Fibromyalgia was not found to be incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have PTSD and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran is seeking an increased initial disability rating for PTSD. The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting evidence and need for clarification of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and determine if he meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks during the period from November 7, 2005 to March 17, 2010. Since March 18, 2010, his PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding chemical exposure and PTSD stressors.

The Veteran's PTSD and bipolar disorder are not productive of total occupational and social impairment, thus the claim for an initial disability rating greater than 70 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD should be remanded to allow for a VA examination and further development of evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying in-service stressors related to MST. The Veteran must also be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if she has PTSD as a result of MST.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his claimed stressors are related to his active duty in Vietnam and he has been diagnosed with PTSD.