PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is service-connected as it was incurred in service due to credible in-service stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and adjustment disorder with anxiety, was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to address the Veteran's claims for PTSD, hypertension, and calluses of the feet due to additional development of evidence and examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support his assertions of a current disability related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current symptoms, combined with his stressor experiences in Vietnam, are sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD. Therefore, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, asthma, and a right hand scar, do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and employment background.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent prior to May 12, 2010. The current rating of 70 percent is effective from May 12, 2010.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues currently before the Board.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, due to lack of in-service stressors and failure to establish a causal relationship between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for further action, including consideration of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD. The Veteran's allegations regarding in-service stressors will also be considered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and nonservice-connected pension benefits are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 30, 2005 for service connection of PTSD is denied. The Veteran filed a formal claim in January 2003 for nonservice-connected pension benefits and did not file a claim for compensation at that time. His informal claim for PTSD was received on August 30, 2005, which is later than the date entitlement arose.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service in Vietnam and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant military and VA medical records, conducting a VA psychiatric examination, and verifying inservice traumatic experiences.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, depression, and anxiety is being remanded due to the need for further development including obtaining additional medical records and verifying stressor events. The Board will also consider whether any current psychiatric disability may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining new VA examinations and treatment records. The issue of an earlier effective date for service connection will also be addressed.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder has been rated at 70 percent since October 2009, effective from the date of a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, tinnitus, and a right leg disorder to comply with the Court's November 2010 decision. The AOJ must issue an SOC regarding the PTSD claim and provide proper VCAA notice on all issues.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying stressors and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim remains in a pending state.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his active duty service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.