PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be incurred during service, and the left clavicle fracture is considered a direct result of service. The Board finds in favor of granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board found no current diagnosis of PTSD and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The issue of hypertension was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since January 3, 2005. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating of 70 percent are met due to significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that an examination is necessary to determine the nature of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder and its possible relationship to active service, including whether it preexisted service or was aggravated by service. The Veteran should be asked to provide additional information concerning his alleged stressors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on his reported stressors during his service in the Persian Gulf.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to new and material evidence. However, the claim remains denied as there is no verified in-service stressor and the evidence does not support a finding that the current diagnoses are related to service.

The Board has determined that service connection for PTSD with depression is granted, as there is competent medical evidence of a diagnosis and credible supporting evidence of the claimed in-service stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent effective March 12, 2010. Prior to that date, the rating was 30 percent. The lumbar spine disability remains rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has depression with a sleep disorder related to his military service and grants this claim. Service connection for PTSD cannot be established as there is no diagnosis of PTSD in the medical records.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including scheduling a VA PTSD examination and obtaining any outstanding psychiatric records.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to assess the severity of his PTSD and its impact on his social and occupational functioning.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 100% rating for PTSD from October 1, 2007 was granted. He also had his claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss reopened and received a 100% rating effective October 15, 2009.

The Veteran's PTSD has been evaluated as 50 percent disabling throughout the appeal period, reflecting moderate impairment in social and occupational functioning. The symptoms primarily involve depressed mood, anxiety, sleep impairment, intrusive thoughts, irritability, avoidance, and memory/concentration difficulties.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to February 25, 2010, and the appeal for a higher rating is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, coronary disease with dilated cardiomyopathy, residuals of frostbite, headaches, shoulder disability, and depression/anxiety. The claim for an eye disability was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to his military service, including exposure to combat-related incidents such as a rocket attack and firefighting duties in Vietnam. The claim for service connection for PTSD is granted.