PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an effective date prior to April 8, 2004 for the grant of service connection for PTSD. The RO had previously considered and denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder in February 1973 and November 1976.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD and T12 compression fracture, service connection for migraine headaches, COPD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The claim to reopen a COPD claim is referred to the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD related to service and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 7, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are consistent with a 70 percent disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD because the evidence did not show a current diagnosis of PTSD at the time of the decision. The motion to revise or reverse this decision due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE) was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, stomach cancer, postgastrectomy dumping syndrome, and new and material evidence to reopen a claim of service connection for peptic ulcer disease. The Veteran was found not to have current valid diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed in-service stressors did not occur and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional development and possibly a new VA examination in order to determine if service connection for PTSD can be established.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection of PTSD, and the Board dismisses the appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since June 25, 2003, reflecting significant impairment in social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, are being remanded due to the need for additional development of records from a Vet Center.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be service-connected, while malaria is not currently diagnosed or treated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected, as there is a current diagnosis and a verified in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension, hepatitis C, a left knee disability, and a skin rash (other than service-connected chloracne) to include as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The Veteran's statements regarding his blood pressure in service are not credible.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as additional records are needed and an examination is required.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has been productive of social and occupational impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The symptoms have included depressed mood, intrusive recollections and flashbacks, sleep impairment with nightmares, and avoidant behaviors.

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 claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disability or a link between any diagnosed conditions and military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a hearing at the RO before a member of the Board.

The Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities (PTSD, bilateral depressed metatarsal arches, and bilateral hearing loss) result in a combined evaluation of 70 percent. The VA examiner concluded that due to PTSD symptoms, including difficulty establishing and maintaining effective work/school and social relationships, the Veteran is not a good candidate for substantially gainful employment.