PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from December 12, 2006 through March 4, 2007 and increased to 50 percent effective May 1, 2007.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, effective since February 16, 2009. The current evidence does not show any exceptional disability picture that would render the available schedular evaluation inadequate.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and a review of his claims file to determine the current severity of his knee disabilities, right knee scar, PTSD, and ability to work. The case will be returned to the Board for further appellate review if necessary.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his PTSD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of any outstanding VA medical records.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a psychiatric disorder to include PTSD. The Board has accepted that the Veteran was exposed to combat conditions during his service in Vietnam, including exposure to enemy fire and wounded soldiers. A VA examination is needed to determine if these stressors are sufficient to support a diagnosis of PTSD and whether the diagnosed condition is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD prior to August 26, 2009. The Board has determined that further development is needed before these claims can be adjudicated.

The Veteran is seeking TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The Board has referred the claim to the RO for development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, variously diagnosed as PTSD, schizophrenia, paranoid type, also claimed as a nervous condition/depression. The Veteran submitted new and material evidence in December 2008 supporting his claim.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder and PTSD. The underlying issue of whether there is a current diagnosis of PTSD will be addressed on its merits.

The Veteran seeks service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining clarification on SSA disability benefits and conducting a VA examination with a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional evidence and consider whether service connection for PTSD can be granted based on in-service stressors. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as his current diagnosis of PTSD is related to his military service, specifically his duties as a medical corpsman in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spondylosis is at least as likely as not incurred in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to consider whether the Veteran's reported fear of being subjected to enemy attacks when his ship shot at Vietnamese land targets, or docked in Vietnamese ports to pick up supplies, is adequate to support a diagnosis of PTSD and if so, whether the Veteran's symptoms are related to the claimed stressor(s).

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed substantially or materially to his death due to a heart condition, warranting service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that another attempt is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete service personnel records, including information about his military assignments and court martial trial. The VA treatment records are also requested for review.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder is rated at a 70 percent evaluation, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability was not caused by VA treatment, and therefore he is not entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The claim for service connection is denied.