PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder, finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Veteran's PTSD with anxiety is currently evaluated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating due to occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current clinical diagnosis of PTSD. The right knee osteoarthritis was also found to be unrelated to service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including verification of an in-service stressor. The Veteran's claim will be remanded for a VA examination and opinion.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeals on the issues of service connection for tinnitus, increased evaluation for left knee disability, and increased evaluation for PTSD prior to June 5, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal of the increased rating for diabetes mellitus Type II has been withdrawn. The Board finds that he is entitled to SMC based on the need for aid and attendance (A&A) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and clarification regarding his hearing loss disability claim. The issues of service connection, PTSD evaluation, and bilateral hearing loss disability are also being addressed.

The Board has remanded the case due to an outstanding hearing request by the Veteran, and a personal hearing before the Board is scheduled at her local RO.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and PTSD, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including providing proper VCAA notice and obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders.

The Board found that the Veteran's PTSD symptoms did not warrant a higher disability rating prior to November 16, 2006. The effective date for the 70% disability rating is set at November 16, 2006.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 10 percent from August 17, 2004, to February 1, 2010. After this period, the rating was increased to 30 percent effective February 1, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA psychiatric examination.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of September 4, 2003 for service connection of PTSD was granted. The effective date is based on the date of receipt of his reopened claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of June 4, 2007, for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities alone precluded gainful employment prior to this date.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected due to his verified combat service and confirmed diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records and provide a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a chronic disease during service or within one year of separation, and thus could not be presumed.,Service connection for mycosis fungoides was granted based on new and material evidence submitted after the initial denial. The Veteran's claim for posttraumatic stress disorder remains pending as its status is unknown.