PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

Prior to August 19, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD was characterized by sleep disturbances, nightmares, flashbacks, frequent tearful episodes, generalized anxiety, and episodic depressed mood. There were no significant symptoms such as suicidal ideation, flattened affect, unusual speech pattern, impaired judgment, or memory loss.,Since August 19, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by flashbacks, frequent tearful episodes, depression, loss of interest in activities he once enjoyed, and isolation from others. There were no significant symptoms such as obsessional rituals, intermittent illogical speech, near-continuous panic or depression affecting his ability to function independently, appropriate and effectively, spatial disorientation, or negligent personal appearance and hygiene.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, heart disorder, and right knee internal derangement were denied. The claim for an effective date earlier than December 17, 2005 for PTSD was also denied as there is no legal basis to grant such a date. Service connection for the remaining conditions was not granted due to lack of evidence of current disability.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 30 percent prior to March 15, 2010. Effective from that date, the rating was increased to 50 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on his reported in-service stressors, including an attack on Marble Mountain Air Facility near Da Nang in October 1965.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of a 70 percent rating for PTSD has been granted.,An earlier effective date of April 2, 2005, is awarded for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or link between his military service and the claimed condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his diagnosis of PTSD was established based on credible testimony and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetic nephropathy and posttraumatic stress disorder, have resulted in a permanent and total disability rating. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities affecting both lower extremities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD. However, the claims for service connection for kidney stones have been denied.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disability rating is at least 80%, meeting the criteria for a TDIU. The evidence shows that his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and degenerative arthritis of the hands and feet, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board granted a higher initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD, effective November 29, 2006. The Veteran's symptoms included suicidal and homicidal ideation, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, anxiety, anger outbursts, and paranoia.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain VA treatment records and for further appellate review of the Veteran's claims, including those related to PTSD and a depressive disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied because there is no credible evidence to support the occurrence of a stressor related to her military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including posttraumatic stress disorder), and a chronic seizure disorder. The evidence submitted since the previous decisions is both new and material.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verifying the Veteran's claimed stressor and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination to determine if he developed PTSD as a result of in-service experiences.

The Veteran's death was due to a service-connected disability (PTSD), and the Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the evidence shows that his symptoms warrant a higher rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining more recent VA treatment records and requesting a new examination by a VA examiner.