PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran's reported stressors of exposure to enemy fire and rocket attacks in Vietnam have been found sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's claimed stressors and to obtain updated medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions, particularly PTSD. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD was manifested by depression, anxiety, chronic sleep disturbance and insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, anger, sadness, exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, intrusive thoughts, feelings of detachment, decreased energy and interest in activities, hypervigilance, some hallucinations, interpersonal guardedness, avoidance of trauma related triggers, decreased interest in hobbies and social activities, feelings of detachment and estrangement from others, emotional numbing, and feelings of a foreshortened life. The Veteran was employed but discontinued working due to PTSD symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for mucoepidermoid carcinoma, claimed as due to exposure to Agent Orange, has been reopened and granted. The initial rating for PTSD prior to November 29, 2010 is now 10%.,Effective from November 29, 2010, the Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50%

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues except migraine headaches has been withdrawn. The Board grants service connection for migraine headaches.,The Veteran reported experiencing headaches since childhood, but her current diagnosis is of a chronic condition that began in service and resolved with pregnancy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD in June 1997. The effective date of the grant of service connection for PTSD was set at October 6, 1997.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of major depressive disorder and PTSD are related to stressful events he experienced as a Navy hospital corpsman during his active duty service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the merits of the Veteran's claim can be evaluated. This includes obtaining VA treatment records, determining if the Veteran is receiving Social Security Administration benefits, and scheduling a new VA examination for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including verifying the events she claims occurred during service and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is denied as the treatment was not for a condition requiring immediate attention and VA facilities were available.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent from March 24, 2003 to January 24, 2005 and a subsequent increase to 50 percent effective September 16, 2008. The Board has now determined that the Veteran is entitled to an increased rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is likely related to his service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD should be April 13, 1984, as this is the earliest date on which the claim was received and supported by sufficient evidence.

The Veteran's death was caused by a heart condition related to his service exposure to Agent Orange. He had pending claims for diabetes mellitus, chloracne, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) that were all presumed due to his service exposure to Agent Orange. Accrued benefits are granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is due to or aggravated by service in the Persian Gulf War. The Board finds that the Veteran has shown a current disability and a link between his military service and his diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and further evidentiary review.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in a combined disability rating of 70 percent, which meets the schedular requirements for TDIU. However, his other service-connected conditions do not significantly impact his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by severe symptoms such as constant depression, auditory and visual hallucinations, suicidal and homicidal ideation, significant memory loss, and intermittent inability to perform daily activities. The Board has determined that a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD is warranted based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to new evidence provided by the appellant. The Board also found that PTSD contributed substantially to the Veteran's death from acute respiratory distress due to pneumonia.