PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD was initially granted with a 30 percent evaluation from September 11, 2000, through October 10, 2007. A subsequent rating decision in June 2009 increased the evaluation to 50 percent effective September 7, 2004.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for PTSD, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The appellant's bilateral hearing loss disability remains at a 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for PTSD is being remanded due to inadequate reasons and bases provided by the Board, as well as the need for a more contemporaneous VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disorder, finding that the appellant's current diagnoses are related to his in-service experiences.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted as his diagnosed PTSD is related to a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and migraine headaches were denied. Service connection was granted for PTSD with staged ratings from April 23, 2004 to October 22, 2007, and for advanced osteoarthritis of the cervical spine with a rating of 20 percent effective October 10, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of a verified in-service stressor or relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD was denied, and her reduction of disability rating for beta thalassemia from 10% to noncompensable effective October 1, 2006 is also denied. The current rating of 30 percent for PTSD remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is service-connected based on a verified in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability, including whether it is related to service. The Veteran's claims for PTSD will be remanded for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD was found to be a contributory cause of his death by cardio respiratory arrest. The appellant is granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and entitled to burial benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess his PTSD and eligibility for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his PTSD is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding potential personal assault stressors.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including seeking verification of in-service stressors and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran is also asked to provide any pertinent medical evidence supporting his claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to an in-service sexual assault, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for further development due to a change in VA regulations regarding PTSD service connection claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, the highest schedular rating available for this condition. The disability has caused significant occupational and social impairment but not to a level warranting an even higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's major depressive disorder is proximately due to his service-connected right knee disability. However, his PTSD was not incurred in or aggravated by his service.