PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetic neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and left ear hearing loss are all service-connected. The Veteran has been granted a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD since September 2, 2005, and is also granted service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, tinea pedis, and a rash-type disorder involving the chest and legs.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified in-service stressors. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current and chronic PTSD diagnosis related to service, and no other psychiatric disorder was linked to service. The preponderance of evidence supports the conclusion that any diagnosed conditions are not causally related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the issues related to service connection for any acquired psychiatric disability, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychologist is asked to address whether the aggravation of a personality disorder during active military service was caused by superimposed injury or disease, and to comment on the significance of a November 1971 complaint of nervous trouble.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic amputation of the right middle finger is appropriately rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that his chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was incurred as a result of his in-service trauma and is related to his current symptoms.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD as a result of exposure to enemy fire during the Vietnam War. The case is remanded due to conflicting opinions on whether the Veteran meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis under DSM-IV standards and if it is at least as likely as not that PTSD is related to his exposure to enemy fire during service.

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

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since August 24, 2005. The Board has also granted entitlement to TDIU based on the service-connected disabilities.

The Board finds that the Veteran's anxiety disorder with features of PTSD is likely related to his service in Vietnam, and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of secondary service connection for hypertension will be addressed upon further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors and his psychiatric disabilities. The VA will attempt to verify the Veteran's reported stressors and obtain an updated medical opinion on the etiology of his current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the VA examiner found that he does not have PTSD due to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is found to be related to his service in Vietnam, specifically combat-related stressors. The claim for service connection is therefore granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence submitted, and finds that her current PTSD is at least as likely as not related to her period of active service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not show total occupational and social impairment due to PTSD.

The Veteran's death is not service-connected due to lack of legal merit, as he did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination to determine if PTSD exists and, if so, whether it is related to in-service stressors. The regulatory changes effective July 13, 2010, regarding verification of PTSD stressors are also considered.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a VA examination.