PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD and service connection for a low back condition were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD or service connection for a low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD was denied due to his failure, without good cause, to report for a VA examination scheduled in conjunction with the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's PTSD is related to his in-service stressor and if so, whether he should be granted service connection for PTSD. The issue of sleep disorder will also be addressed as it is intertwined with the PTSD claim.

The Veteran's death was caused by coronary atherosclerosis, which is presumed to be related to his service-connected PTSD and the addition of ischemic heart disease to the list of presumptive diseases. The Board finds that service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting moderate occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is productive of symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic attacks, memory loss, and chronic sleep impairment. The Board finds that the disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD; a balance disorder manifested by vertigo; and a gastrointestinal disorder. The claim for sarcoidosis was not reopened as new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the issues of service connection for PTSD, hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and a skin rash to the hands.

The Board has determined that a comprehensive VA mental disorders examination is needed to clarify the Veteran's psychiatric conditions and their relationship to service, including PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 70 percent is warranted based on his symptoms including unprovoked irritability, social antagonism, ongoing significant depression, deteriorated psychological defenses, paranoia, and impaired communication which cause strain on his relationships.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a psychiatric examination to determine if the Veteran's current psychiatric disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's residuals of a head injury are found to be related to service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claim for PTSD remains pending as the stressor has not been verified.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression is being remanded due to conflicting diagnoses and the need for further examination. The issue of entitlement to service connection for shoulder disability and headaches has been referred back to the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD has been characterized by symptoms such as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, social avoidance, hypervigilance, and periods of depression. However, the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further review of additional evidence submitted by the appellant, including a photograph she claims shows her injuries from a pool accident. The appeal is now pending with the RO.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by sleep problems, fatigue, hypervigilance, and social isolation. The Board found that this warrants a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and psychiatric disabilities, including schizoaffective disorder and PTSD. The denial is based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.