PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for acute and subacute peripheral neuropathy, claimed as a result of herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and for a psychiatric disorder, to include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 50% prior to March 20, 2007 and granted a 70% rating effective June 26, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's ulcer disease is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran's dysthymic disorder with depression remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his in-service stressors. The claims for tinnitus and sleep disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of his death and for burial benefits, including transportation benefits. The issues were remanded due to outstanding medical records not being obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and anxiety disorder is being remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the stressors claimed during his military service in Vietnam. The VA will attempt to verify these stressors and determine if they are related to his current psychiatric conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was granted, with a rating of 70 percent. The effective date is not specified as the increase in evaluation occurred up to one-year prior to the date of claim.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD due to additional development, including obtaining SPRs, SSA disability records, and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, and the issue of service connection for the cause of death due to his PTSD was also denied. The Veteran had a pending claim for an increased rating at the time of his death.

From October 6, 2006 to May 6, 2010, the Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent.,Effective May 7, 2010, a rating of 50 percent for PTSD is granted.

The Board has determined that the remand instructions were not followed and the issue of service connection for PTSD is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and secondary major depressive disorder, is granted as it is related to his service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including PTSD with chronic anxiety and depression, is related to a personal assault he experienced during service. The claim for service connection is granted.

From March 5, 2001, to March 21, 2005, the appellant's PTSD was manifested by total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 70 percent evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed PTSD related to his military service and there is no competent evidence linking any acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD, to his military service or any incident therein.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain is rated at 20 percent, and service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and migraine headaches (secondary to fibromyalgia) has been granted. The claim for service connection for fibromyalgia remains pending.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70 percent evaluation, effective October 8, 2002. The Board also found that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and he was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD. The other claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin impairment were remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection in full, including reopening of previously denied claims and granting new evaluations.