PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD with depression was initially rated at 30 percent from September 9, 1998 to July 24, 2005. The effective date for TDIU was granted as of June 20, 2003 and later adjusted to July 25, 2005.

The Veteran's PTSD was productive of more serious symptoms warranting a GAF score of 50, but without evidence of symptoms warranting an evaluation in excess of 50 percent. The claim for service connection for congestive heart failure is secondary to the service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, needs further development and examination before it can be decided.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a higher rating of 100 percent due to total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional development of his claims, including treatment records and Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is being remanded to the RO/AMC for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of all evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD substantially and materially contributed to his death in February 2008.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability, an upper torso skeletal condition, and PTSD. The evidence did not establish current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board is remanding the case to attempt further verification of the Veteran's in-service stressors and to obtain a VA examination for both his psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and tinnitus claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was pending since March 5, 1984. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set at March 5, 1984.

The Veteran's sexual dysfunction is found to be secondary to medications prescribed for PTSD.,Hypertension and GERD are not related to service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of heat stroke, PTSD, and cardiovascular disease to include as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is manifested by severe symptoms such as agitated rumination, limited concentration, desperation, moderate to severe depression, hypersomnia, irritability, significant anxiety, flashbacks, panic attacks, and avoidance of social relationships. These symptoms have a significantly negative impact on the ability to cope with everyday life events.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is due to combat-related activities in Vietnam, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of all psychiatric diagnoses.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and he is granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is required before it can adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher 50 percent rating is warranted based on his symptoms of flattened affect and moderate impairment in social functioning.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, major depression with psychotic features, and panic disorder with agoraphobia as these conditions are found to be related to the Veteran's combat experiences in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine whether the Veteran's reported rape incident in service is sufficient to cause PTSD. The claim will be readjudicated after this additional evidence is obtained.