PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected PTSD and bipolar disorder, and an updated review of his Social Security disability determination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's reported in-service assault is credible and supports his claimed stressor.

The Veteran's PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus are all found to be related to his military service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The claim will be reconsidered after the hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50 percent since August 14, 2007. The evidence shows that the Veteran experiences symptoms consistent with a GAF score of 51 to 60, indicative of moderate symptoms and some difficulty in social, occupational, or school functioning.

The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected PTSD. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 10 percent prior to September 2, 2009 and at 50 percent as of that date. The current evaluations are considered appropriate based on the severity of symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a VA aid and attendance examination. The case will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating, bilateral knee disorder, abdominal disorder, and heart condition were denied. The Board found no evidence of current right knee disability or a relationship between the left knee disorder and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD based on personal/sexual assault in the military has been granted. The Board also determined that he is entitled to consideration of whether service connection also is warranted for a psychiatric disability other than PTSD (depression and bipolar disorder).

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's lay assertions of in-service stressors are sufficient to establish their occurrence and a link between those stressors and his symptoms.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to February 22, 2006 and increased to 70 percent effective from February 22, 2006.,PTSD is currently rated as 70 percent disabling since February 22, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating of PTSD was denied, and his claim for service connection for actinic keratoses (claimed as a skin condition) has been reopened but remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted, as new and material evidence was submitted. Service connection is also pending for a respiratory disorder claimed as asthma.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and cellulitis of the right and left legs have been denied as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was characterized by reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% initial disability rating prior to September 29, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the Veteran's PTSD. The claims for an increased rating for PTSD and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. A new VA psychiatric examination will also be scheduled to assess the current severity of his PTSD.